OTTAWA, Kan. – The Ottawa University men's basketball team rallied to take a 70-69 win over Evangel University on Wednesday night in Wilson Field House. The Braves were down by as much as 18 points with 13 minutes to go in the game before rallying for the one point victory. The win cliches a trip to the KCAC Tournament for the Braves. The top eight seeds qualify for the conference tournament.4

Ottawa and Evangel exchanged baskets for most of the first half. Jayden Hibbitt's jumper with 6:29 on the clock gave OU its largest lead of the first half, four points, 24-20. Evangel rallied, outscoring the Braves 12-3 in the final 4:22 and took a 39-30 lead into the locker room.

In the first seven minutes of the second half the Valor were able to increase their lead to 18 points, 54-36. Ottawa rallied and cut the deficit to nine points, 55-46, after a basket by Amil Fields. Evangel pushed its lead back to double figures, but OU again chipped away at the Valor lead.

The Braves put together a 15-2 run, taking a 63-61 lead with 3:09 on the clock after an Angok Anyang basket. Evangel responded with six straight points to retake the lead 67-63.

Ottawa again rallied and after baskets by Deondre Buggage and two free throws from Hibbitt, Ottawa led 70-67 with 12 seconds on the clock. The Braves then fouled Manrique Alvarado, sending him to the free throw line. He made both free throws to cut OU's lead to 70-69.

On the inbounds, the Valor quickly fouled Buggage. He missed both free throw attempts and Evangel rebounded the ball with eight seconds on the clock.  EU's Josh Pritchett drove the ball into the lane, but Hibbitt was waiting for him. He blocked Pritchett's shot and OU took the 70-69 victory.

Inside the Box Score

• Ottawa shot 40.7 percent from the floor, 32 percent from behind the 3-pt line, and 70 percent from the free throw line.
• Angok Anyang recorded his ninth double-double, leading OU in scoring with 22 points and rebounding with 12. He also had four blocks.
• Deondre Buggage finished the game with 17 points and five assists.
• Jayden Hibbit scored 11 points.

Who is Next
Ottawa (15-12, 10-11) finishes the regular season on Saturday, Feb. 24 in Wilson Field House against the University of Saint Mary. Tip off is scheduled for 5:00 p.m.