The Braves snapped their six game losing streak to (RV) Kansas Wesleyan University last Saturday in Wilson Field House, defeating the Coyotes in overtime 73-65. Ottawa shot 35.4 percent from the floor, 22.7 percent from behind the 3-pt line, and 70.6 percent from the free throw line.
The win over Kansas Wesleyan was head coach
Matt Cross' career collegiate victory no. 350. He has an overall coaching record of 350-171.
Through six games this season, Ottawa is averaging 86.7 points, 47.7 rebounds, and 16.7 assists per game. The Braves are shooting 45.9 percent from the floor, 28.7 percent from behind the 3-pt line, and 73.6 percent from the free throw line.
The Braves are ranked 49th in the NAIA in points (520), 46th in points per game (86.7), 26th in field goals made per game (32.8), 12th in field goals attempted per game (71.5), 37th in offensive rebounds per game (13.5), third in defensive rebounds per game (34.2), third in total rebounds per game (47.7), 24th in rebound margin per game (10.2), 47th in opponent assists per game (11.2), 29th in points allowed per game (66.2), 10th in opponent field goal percentage (37.0), and 40th in opponent free throws attempted per game (27.6).
Keith Robinson leads the Braves in scoring (17.3),
Jayden Hibbitt and Robinson are OU's leaders in rebounding (7.7),
Deondre Buggage is the team's leader in assists per game (3.5),
Alex Riddick is OU's leader in blocks (1.2) per game, and
Najee Jones leads OU in steals (3) per game.
For the second time this season,
Najee Jones has been named KCAC Defensive Player of the Week. He had three steals and eight rebounds in OU's overtime victory against (RV) Kansas Wesleyan University last Saturday. He also scored 18 points and shot 43.8 percent from the floor, helping the Braves snap their six game losing streak to the Coyotes.
OU has a record of 4-1 in Wilson Field House this season. Ottawa's lone loss at home came at the hands of no. 19 Baker University, on Oct. 28, 89-79. At home this season, the Braves are scoring 88.2 points per game and shooting 45.9 percent from the floor, 28.1 percent from behind the 3-pt line, and 73.2 percent from the free throw line. Opponents are scoring 64 points per game and shooting 35.9 percent from the floor, 24.8 percent from behind the 3-pt line, and 61.1 percent from the free throw line.
Wednesday is the 94th meeting between Ottawa University and Tabor College. The Bluejays lead the series, 54-39. Last season, Tabor defeated the Braves in Hillsboro on Jan. 7, 76-73, snapping OU's seven game winning streak against the Bluejays. The last two seasons (2022-23, 2023-24), OU and TC only played against each other once instead of playing a home and home like in seasons past. This year the two teams will meet twice with the second game taking place on Jan. 11, 2025 in Hillsboro. Ottawa has won four straight in Wilson Field House against Tabor. The last time OU lost at home to the Bluejays was on Jan. 6, 2018. Tabor won the game 76-72. The first ever meeting between the two teams happened on Dec. 10, 1968 in Hillsboro. Ottawa won the game 86-77.
Tabor College is 0-3 to start the 2024-25 season and enter Wednesday's game coming off a 79-66 loss to no. 17 Oklahoma Wesleyan University last Saturday in Bartlesville. In the loss, the Bluejays shot 35.1 percent from the floor, 29.2 percent from behind the 3-pt line, and 76.0 percent from the free throw line. Tabor went seven deep against the Eagles and had three players in double figures. James Shoenfelt scored 19 points, Kalep Crane finished with 17 points, and Kam Kaniper finished the game with 12 points.
Through three games this season, Tabor is averaging 61.7 points, 34 rebounds, and nine assists per game. They are shooting 35.3 percent from the floor, 27.1 percent from the free throw line, and 69.2 percent from the free throw line.
Kalep Crane leads Tabor in scoring (18), rebounding (7.7), and assists (2.3) per game. Batosse Gado is Tabor's leader in blocks (1) per game and Zach Hiebert leads the Bluejays in steals (1.7) per game.
Away from Tabor Gymnasium, the Bluejays are averaging 59 points per game and shooting 31.7 percent from the floor, 21.7 percent from behind the 3-pt line, and 71.8 percent from the free throw line.
