MCPHERSON, Kan. – The Ottawa University men's basketball team won its sixth straight game, defeating McPherson College, 85-82, in Holman Fieldhouse.

The Braves took an early 14-7 lead over McPherson at the start of the first half. The Bulldogs answered with a 9-2 run, tying the game at 16 all with 13:59 left in the half.

Ottawa responded by scoring seven straight points, taking a 23-16 lead on a basket by Alex Riddick. McPherson cut OU's lead to four points but the Braves put together a 24-14 run and took a 47-30 lead on a basket by Deondre Buggage with 2:13 on the clock. The Bulldogs were able to slice a little into the Brave lead in the final two minutes of the half and OU took a 51-38 lead into the locker room.

The Braves pushed its lead to 22 points, 72-50, with 10:42 left in the second half. McPherson did not go away finishing the final 9:18 of the game on a 32-13 run and with 39 second left in the contest Ottawa's lead was cut to 85-82.

The Bulldogs had the ball with three seconds left in regulation. Ottawa came up with the defensive stop, a Jayden Hibbitt steal, ending the McPherson threat and OU took the 85-82 victory.

Inside the Box Score

• Ottawa shot 51.6 percent from the floor, 35.3 percent from the floor, and 61.9 percent from the free throw line.
• The Braves had four players in double figures led by Deondre Buggage's 22 points.
• Jayden Hibbitt and Keith Robinson had 16 points apiece.
• Trey Twa scored 11 points.
• Payton Kaiser led OU with four assists and Landyn Tyler had three assists.
• Najee Jones finished with three steals.

Who is Next
Ottawa (7-1, 3-0) returns to the court on Wednesday, Dec. 4 in Winfield, Kan. against Southwestern College. Game time is set for 8:00 p.m.