OTTAWA, Kan. – The Ottawa University women's basketball team was defeated 88-78 by Friends University on Saturday afternoon in Wilson Field House. OU freshman, Dominic Schutte made eight 3-pt field goals in the game to tie the school single game record for threes made in a game.

Friends scored the first six points of the game to take the early lead but the Braves responded with a 13-6 run, taking a 13-12 lead after a basket by Nora Ford.

The Falcons retook the lead with four straight points, 16-13, with 2:04 left in the first quarter. A 3-pt field goal by Dominic Schutte tied the game at 16 all. Friends, however, was able to finish the first on a 7-1 run, taking a 23-17 lead into the second.

Friends pushed its lead to 12 points, 31-19 in the opening minutes of the second quarter. Ottawa chipped away at the lead and after two free throws by Tiyani Rollins, the Braves were down 38-36 with 2:29 remaining in the fist half.

The Falcons scored the next five points, increasing their lead to 43-36. A basket by Nayeli Acosta and a three from Schutte put OU within two points, 43-41 with 42 seconds left in the second quarter. Ottawa was not able to get a stop and Friends pushed its lead to four points, 45-41, with 18 seconds on the clock.

On OU's last offensive possession of the first half, Janiyah Hendricks attacked the basket. She was fouled on her shot attempt and made one of two free throws. Hendricks' free throw put OU within 45-42 at the half.

Friends pushed its lead to double figures at the start of the third quarter, taking a 55-44 lead over OU. The Braves stayed close and after a basket by Sydney Scott, Ottawa was within 61-55 with 2:04 remaining in the third quarter. The Braves were not able to get any closer to the Falcons in the third. Friends finished the quarter with a mini 5-2 run, taking a 66-57 lead into the fourth quarter.

The Falcons increased their lead back to double figures at the start of the final quarter of play, 71-61. The Braves did not go away and after two Ford free throws, the Braves were within four points, 73-69 with 5:25 left in regulation.

Friends pushed its lead to eight points, 79-71. But OU responded with a free throw from Schutte and a basket by Sextro to cut the Falcon lead to 79-74 with 1:08 left in the game. The Braves were forced to foul to try to extend the game. Friends answered by making its free throws, 9-for-10, in the final minute of play to take the 88-78 victory.

Inside the Box Score

• Ottawa shot 34.3 percent from the floor, 37 percent from behind the 3-pt line, and 76.9 percent from the free throw line.
• The Braves had three players in double figures, led by Dominique Schutte's career high 31 points. She was 9-for-13 from the floor and 8-for-11 from behind the 3-pt line.
• Abbie Sextro and Nora Ford scored 14 points apiece.
• Ford had five assists and eight steals.

Who is Next
Ottawa (5-9, 2-6) returns to the court on Wednesday, Jan. 8 in Wilson Field House against Avila University. Tip off is scheduled for 6:00 p.m.