OTTAWA, Kan. – The Ottawa University men's basketball team defeated York University, 87-75, on Saturday afternoon in Wilson Field House. The win was the first collegiate coaching victory for interim head coach Jamie Batish.

Ottawa raced out to the early lead. A PJ Twa basket with 10:22 left in the first half gave OU a 25-12 lead. A jumper by Jayden Hibbitt increased the OU lead to 44-28 at the 2:54 mark. York cut OU's lead to 44-31 but the Braves answered with a three from Twa and Ottawa took a 47-31 lead into the locker room.

Baskets by Deondre Buggage and Hibbitt pushed the Brave lead to 51-31 in the opening minutes of the second half. York cut into the Brave lead and were with in 13 points, 67-54, with 8:13 on the clock.

Ottawa quickly answered with a three from Keith Robinson and the Braves were up 70-54. York was able to get within 12 points, 79-67, but Braylon Wheeler's 3-pt field goal gave OU an 82-67 lead.

OU did not allow York to get any closer and the Braves took the 87-75 victory.

Inside the Box Score

• Ottawa shot 52.1 percent from the floor, 44.4 percent from behind the 3-pt line, and 50 percent from the free throw line.
• OU had five players in double figures led by Keith Robinson's 20 points. He also led OU in rebounding with nine.
• Jayden Hibbitt scored 13 points, PJ Twa finished with 12 points and Payton Kaiser and Braylon Wheeler scored 11 points apiece.
• Hibbitt had eight assists, one block, and two steals.
• Buggage finished the game with five assists
• Kaiser had four steals.

Who is Next
Ottawa (14-6, 10-4) is back in action on Wednesday, Jan. 29 against Evangel University in Wilson Field House. Game time is set for 7:30 p.m.