OTTAWA, Kan. – Ottawa University men's basketball battled through a back-and-forth contest Saturday afternoon but came up just short in a 65–60 loss to Sterling College at Wilson Field House.
The game featured 19 lead changes and eight ties, with neither team leading by more than five points in the second half. Sterling edged Ottawa 34–28 after halftime to secure the road win.
First Half
Ottawa got off to a strong start behind early three-pointers from
Micah Willis, opening a 8–4 lead in the first three minutes. Sterling responded with perimeter shooting of its own, as Julian Smith knocked down multiple threes to keep the Warriors close.
The Braves built small advantages several times behind transition baskets from
Jackson Harding and
Rich Martelly, but Sterling answered consistently. Ottawa took a narrow 32–31 lead into the break after
Landyn Tyler scored in the paint in the final seconds of the half.
Second Half
Sterling opened the second half with a 7–3 run to regain the lead, capitalizing on second-chance points and turnovers. Ottawa responded with timely baskets from Martelly,
Elijah Mason, and Harding, eventually reclaiming a 49–46 edge with just over 11 minutes remaining.
The final stretch remained tight. After Martelly's basket cut the deficit to three with 2:31 left, Sterling sealed the game at the free-throw line. Ottawa pulled within three again in the final minute but was unable to convert on its last possessions.
By the Numbers
- Ottawa Leaders:
- Team Stats:
- Ottawa shot 38.7% from the field and 26.1% from three
- Sterling shot 42.9% overall and out rebounded Ottawa 41–33
- Sterling converted 9-of-12 free throws, compared to Ottawa's 6-of-13
Who is Next
The Braves (7-5, 4-3) return to the court, in their last game of 2025, on Wednesday, Dec. 17 in Wilson Field House against non-conference opponent Culver-Stockton College. Tip off is scheduled for 6:00 p.m.
