Ottawa is on a five game winning streak after defeating Bethany College, 70-68, on Wednesday night in Wilson Field House. The win was OU's first over the Swedes since the 2017-18 season. Ottawa shot 48.1 percent from the floor, 42.9 percent from behind the 3-pt line and 68.8 percent from the free throw line. OU had four players in double figures, led by
Abby Dietsche's 23 points. She had two assists, three blocks, and three steals.
This season, the Braves are 9-4 overall and are 4-3 in the KCAC. Ottawa has a record of 3-1 on the road. OU is averaging 77.3 points, 38.5 rebounds per game, and 13.4 assists per game. The Braves are shooting 40.2 percent from the floor, 34.1 percent from behind the 3-pt line, and 70.4 percent from the free throw line.
Ottawa is ranked 37th in the NAIA in points per game (77.3), 39th in field goals made per game (27.9), 16th in field goals attempted per game (69.4), 13th in 3-pt field goals made per game (9), 22nd in 3-pt field goals attempted per game (26.4), 35th in 3-pt field goal percentage (.341), 13th in steals per game (13.2), and 10th in blocks per game (4.6).
In Ottawa's four road games this season (3-1), the Braves are averaging 70.5 points per game and shooting 40.3 percent from the floor and 35.8 percent from behind the 3-pt line. Opponents are scoring 64.8 points per game and shooting 37.1 percent from the floor and 22.1 percent from behind the 3-pt line.
On the road this season, the Braves are forcing the opponent to turn the ball over 19 times per game.
In KCAC games this season, Ottawa is scoring 74 points per game and shooting 39.5 percent from the floor. Opponents are scoring 75 points per game and shooting 42.5 percent from the floor.
Ottawa has four players averaging in double figures in 2023-24.
Kennedy Bankett (12.9),
Abby Dietsche (12.7),
Katelyn Alatini (10.2), and Tootie Allen (11.4).
Kennedy Bankett leads the Braves in scoring, averaging 12.9 points per game. She is shooting 54.6 percent from the floor.
Abby Dietsche is OU's leader in rebounding (7.5).
Jayla Johnson, Dietsche, and Bankett leads Ottawa in assists (1.7) per game. Bankett leads OU in steals (1.8) per game.
Saturday is the second meeting between Ottawa University and Evangel University and it is the first time that the two teams have met in KCAC play. Evangel was a member of the Heart of America Athletic Conference from 1987 to 2023. The first and only meeting between the two teams happened on Nov. 26, 1988 in Springfield. The Valor won the game 74-36.
Evangel University has an overall record of 6-4, a KCAC mark of 4-3, and have a record of 2-1 at home this season. The Valor are on a two game winning streak with victories over Williams Baptist (75-52) on Dec. 14 and Sterling (74-56) on Jan. 3.
EU is averaging 67.8 points, 43.1 rebounds, and 13.9 assists per game. The Valor are shooting 39.4 percent from the floor, 25.4 percent from behind the 3-pt line, and 64.4 percent from the free throw line.
Evangel is ranked 49th in the NAIA in field goals attempted per game (65.4), 12th in offensive rebounds per game (16.8), 29th in total rebounds per game (43.1), and 34th in rebound margin per game (7.8).
Kamie Jenkins leads the team in scoring, averaging 10.7 points per game. She is shooting 57.1 percent from the floor and 55.9 percent from the free throw line. Jenkins has only attempted three 3-pt field goals. She also leads the team rebounding, averaging 9.5 rebounds per game. Jazzy Kirby leads the team in assists (4.2) per game. Lexi Berry and Lydia Babirye are the team's leader in steals (1.4) per game.
In the Valor's six wins, they are averaging 74 points per game and shooting 44.1 percent from the floor. In their four losses, they are scoring 58.5 points per game and shooting 32.4 percent from the floor.
Evangel is 48-for-189 from behind the 3-pt line this season, 25.4 percent. Carson Dillard has taken the most threes for the Valor and is 12-for-43 (27.9). However, in KCAC play, Evangel is shooting better from behind the 3-pt line (.272). Lexi Berry is 7-for-13 (53.8%) and Lydia Berry is 5-for-12 (41.7%) from behind the arc in conference play.
At home this season, Evangel is averaging 67 points per game. The Valor are shooting 41.8 percent from the floor, 24.5 percent (12-49) from behind the 3-pt line, and 69.8 percent from the free throw line.
