OTTAWA, Kan. – The Ottawa University men's basketball team fell in overtime to the University of Saint Mary, 93-91, on Saturday evening in Wilson Field House.

The Braves trailed for much of the first half but were within one point, 28-27, after a Kamren Woods basket with 3:32 on the clock. In the final three minutes of the half, OU outscored Saint Mary 7-2 and led 34-30 at the half.  

Five points by Jayden Hibbitt to open the second half gave OU a 39-32 lead. The Spires did not go away and rallied to take a 55-52 lead over OU with 10:55 left in regulation. Saint Mary continued to hold its lead and increased it to 10 points, 73-63

The Braves answered by scoring eight straight points and were within 73-71 after a three by Hibbitt with 3:18 on the clock. USM scored the next basket but Ottawa held the Spires to two points for the next 1:20 to take a 77-75 lead.

USM tied the game with 1:06 left in regulation on a basket by Deshaud St. Martin. St. Martin was not able to convert the 3-pt play and the game was tied 77-77. Amil Fields' shot attempt with 53 second on the clock was no good and USM corralled the miss.

Joey Schultz connected on a jumper with 31 seconds left in the contest, giving USM a 79-77 lead. Hibbitt attempted to tie the game on OU's next offensive possession, but it was no good and St. Martin was fouled on the rebound. He missed the 1-and-1, giving OU the ball with 16 seconds on the clock with USM leading 79-77.

Ottawa executed in the final seconds of regulation. Woods found an open Hibbitt for the basket, tying the game at 79-79 and sending the contest into overtime.

The Spires scored the first basket of the overtime period. Ottawa quickly answered with a three from Amil Fields to take an 82-81 lead. USM retook the lead and with 2:59 on the clock, had the 88-84 advantage over the Braves.

Ottawa went on a mini, 7-2, run and led 91-90 after a three by Deondre Buggage with 37 seconds on the clock. On USM's next trip down the floor the Spires had two looks at the basket. Saint Mary's Joe Schultz was fouled on the rebound of the second shot attempt. He stepped to the line and made both free throws, giving the Spires a 92-91 lead with 26 seconds on the clock.

Buggage pushed the ball up the floor and attacked the basket. His shot attempt was no good and Saint Mary rebounded the ball. St. Martin was fouled on the rebound. He made one of two free throw attempts and USM had a 93-91 lead with six seconds left in the game.

Buggage attacked the basket and was able to get past his defenders. His layup attempt bounced around the rim and fell out of the cylinder as the buzzer sounded and Saint Mary took the 93-91 victory.

Inside the Box Score

• Ottawa shot 48.4 percent from the floor, 40 percent from behind the 3-pt line, and 79.2 percent from the free throw line.
• OU was led in scoring by Jayden Hibbitt with 38 points on 14-for-22 shooting from the floor. He was one rebound away from a double-double, finishing with nine.
• Deondre Buggage scored 17 points, had eight assists, and four steals.
• Angok Anyang had nine rebounds and two blocks.

Who is Next
Ottawa (16-12, 11-11) opens the KCAC Tournament on Thursday, Feb. 29 in Salina, Kan. against Kansas Wesleyan University. Tip off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.