SALINA, Kan. — The Ottawa University men's basketball team opened KCAC play in dramatic fashion on Saturday night, erasing a double-digit first-half deficit and powering through overtime to defeat Kansas Wesleyan, 92–86, inside Mabee Arena.

First Half
The Coyotes came out strong, building a 12-point lead at the 12:22 mark behind efficient shooting and pressure defense. Ottawa struggled early but stayed afloat with timely buckets from Micah Willis and Rich Martelly. KUW continued to push the pace, extending its lead to 38–29 with just over three minutes left.

The Braves responded with a 9–6 run late in the half as Landyn Tyler buried a three and Kuol Reech added key free throws. Ottawa trimmed the deficit to 44–38 heading into the locker room.

Second Half
Kansas Wesleyan struck first, pushing its lead back to 11 (49–38), but Ottawa surged back. Jackson Harding's three at 18:27 sparked the run, followed by strong finishes inside from Martelly and Tyler. A pair of free throws from Elijah Mason and a 6–0 burst by Martelly brought the Braves within three at 63–60.

Down 65–60 with 5:12 to play, Ottawa answered again. Willis scored four straight, Harding gave the Braves their first lead at 66–65, and Willis pushed it to 69–65 with a bucket and free throw at 3:03. KWU tied the game twice in the final minute, and Rich Martelly hit two clutch free throws to put OU up 76–74 with 20 seconds left. A basket by KWU's Appolon with eight seconds remaining sent the game to overtime tied at 76.

Overtime
The extra period belonged to Ottawa. After a quick KWU bucket, Adam Barbieri drilled a go-ahead three, and the Braves never trailed again. Willis took over, scoring nine points in OT—including a deep three at 2:33 that stretched the lead to seven. Ottawa closed out the game at the free-throw line and sealed the 92–86 victory with a late basket from Mason and a steal from Barbieri.

Ottawa Leaders

• Micah Willis: 28 points, 5 rebounds
• Rich Martelly: 24 points, 3 assists
• Jackson Harding: 12 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists
• Landyn Tyler: 8 points, 3 assists
• Kuol Reech: 7 points, 5 rebounds
• Elijah Mason: 6 points, 7 rebounds

Ottawa shot an even 50% from the field and 50% from three.

Team Notes

• OU overcame a 12-point first-half deficit.
• The Braves outscored KWU 16–10 in overtime.
• Ottawa forced 10 KWU turnovers and turned them into 8 points.

Who is Next
Ottawa (4-2, 1-0) returns to the court on Wednesday, Nov. 19 against Tabor College in Hillsboro, Kan. Tip off is scheduled for 8:00 p.m.