OTTAWA, Kan. – The (RV) Ottawa University men's basketball team got back on the winning track with a 78-74 victory over Bethany College on Saturday afternoon in Wilson Field House.

The Braves led by double digits for most of the first half. A basket by Deondre Buggage gave OU its largest lead of the first half, 15 points, with 4:20 on the clock, 37-22. Bethany was able to cut OU's lead to 12 points in the final seconds of the first half but Keith Robinson rebounded a missed three and beat the buzzer with his put back, giving OU a 43-29 lead at the half.

Ottawa increased its lead to 19 points, 54-35, after a PJ Twa jumper with 16:09 remaining in regulation. Bethany did not go away. In the next six minutes, the Swedes put together a 17-6 run to cut OU's lead to eight points, 60-52.

OU quickly responded with a basket from Najee Jones, pushing its lead back to double figures 62-52. Bethany answered with another run, this one 18-8, to tie the game at 70 all with 2:52 left in the second half.

The Braves retook the lead on their next trip down the floor on a 3-pt play by Jayden Hibbitt, 73-70. Bethany cut OU's lead to 73-72 with 2:04 on the clock. Robinson pushed OU's lead back to three points, 75-72, on a put back. The Swedes again cut OU's lead to one point, 75-74, and had the ball after rebounding a Brave miss with 1:22 left in the second  half.

OU's defense came away with a big stop. Jones blocked the Swede shot attempt. Jones corralled the rebound and he was fouled with 21 seconds remaining in the contest. He stepped to the line and made both free throws to give OU the 77-74 lead.

Ottawa's defense held, forcing a Swede turnover with 18 seconds on the clock. Bethany fouled again, this time sending Buggage to the line. He made one of two free throws, increasing the OU lead to 78-74. Ottawa forced another Swede turnover with three seconds left in the game. The Braves inbounded the ball and ran out the clock, taking the 78-74 victory.

Inside the Box Score

• Ottawa shot 45.3 percent from the floor, 18.8 percent from behind the 3-pt line, and 89.5 percent from the free throw line.
• OU had four players in double figures led by Najee Jones 19 points on 6-for-10 shooting from the floor. He also had three blocks and two assists.
• Jayden Hibbitt finished the game with 18 points.
• Keith Robinson recorded his third double-double. He scored 13 points and pulled down 14 rebounds. Robinson had three assists, two blocks, and two steals.
• Trey Twa finished the game with 10 points.
• Deondre Buggage led OU with four assists.

Who is Next
Ottawa (8-2, 4-1) returns to the court on Wednesday, Dec. 11 in Springfield, Mo. against Evangel University. Game time is set for 7:30 p.m.