OTTAWA, Kan. – The Ottawa University women's basketball team overcame a halftime deficit and used a strong third-quarter surge to secure a 77–74 win over Haskell Indian Nations University on Monday evening at Wilson Field House
.
First Quarter
Ottawa opened the game trading baskets with Haskell in a tightly contested first quarter.
Hailey Rademan and
McKinley Kruger helped spark the Braves early, while
Molly Martin closed the quarter with back-to-back free throws in the final minute to give Ottawa a slim 20–18 lead. Both teams struggled from long range early, but Ottawa forced four Haskell turnovers to gain a slight edge after one.
Second Quarter
Haskell seized momentum in the second quarter, outscoring Ottawa 22–12 to take a 40–32 lead into halftime. Ivy Fox led the charge for the visitors, attacking the paint and capitalizing on turnovers as Haskell built a lead that reached as many as 10 points. Ottawa shot just 28.2 percent from the field in the half and went into the break searching for an offensive spark.
Third Quarter
The Braves delivered that spark coming out of the locker room, erupting for 29 third-quarter points. Rademan and
Dominique Schutte each knocked down key three-pointers during a decisive run, while Ottawa's defense forced multiple turnovers that led to transition baskets. A late three from
Kaelynn Duncan capped the surge as Ottawa turned a halftime deficit into a 61–56 advantage heading into the final period.
Fourth Quarter
Haskell made one final push in the fourth, cutting the deficit to two points with under two minutes remaining. Ottawa answered with timely baskets from
Alison Daniels and clutch free throws from
Clare Williams in the final seconds to seal the win. Haskell had a last look from three at the buzzer, but Ottawa secured the rebound to preserve the 77–74 victory.
By the Numbers
- Ottawa Leaders:
- Haskell Leader:
- Ivy Fox – 27 points, 8 rebounds
Ottawa finished the game shooting 36.4 percent from the field and 44.4 percent from three-point range, while forcing 16 Haskell turnovers and converting them into 22 points.
Who is Next
Ottawa (8-4) returns to the court in an exhibition game on Monday, Dec. 29 in St. Charles, Mo. against NCAA II Lindenwood University. Game time is set for 3:00 p.m.
