LEAVENWORTH, Kan. – The Ottawa University women's basketball team was defeated 78-53 by the University of Saint Mary on Wednesday night in the Ryan Sports Center.

USM started the game on a 9-0 run. Katelyn Alatini's jumper with 6:39 left in the first quarter put OU on the scoreboard. A 3-pt field goal by Nayeli Acosta cut the deficit to 11-5. The Spires scored the next three points to take a 14-5 lead over the Braves.

Dominique Schutte's basket at the 1:33 mark put OU with in 14-7. The Braves' defense held Saint Mary scoreless for the remainder of the quarter and USM took a 14-7 lead into the second.

The Spires started the second quarter on a 9-3 run, taking a 23-10 lead over the Braves. Ottawa was not able to get the USM lead under double digits and the Spires took a 38-27 lead into the locker room.

In the third Ottawa cut the deficit to nine points, 43-34, on an Anna Eldridge basket. USM responded by ending the third quarter on a 15-5 run, taking a 59-39 lead at the start of the fourth quarter.

The Braves chipped away at the Spire lead and after two Nora Ford free throws, Ottawa was down 61-48 with 4:37 on the clock. OU was unable to get any closer to USM and the Spires took the 78-53 victory.

Inside the Box Score

• Ottawa shot 29.6 percent from the floor, 50 percent from behind the 3-pt line, and 56 percent from the free throw line.
• Nora Ford led OU with 16 points and eight rebounds. She also had three assists, one block, and three steals.
• Abbie Sextro finished with seven points, seven rebounds, two assists, two blocks, and one steal.

Who is Next
Ottawa (5-14, 2-11) returns to the court on Saturday, Jan. 25 against York University in Wilson Field House. Tip off is scheduled for 2:00 p.m.