OTTAWA, Kan. - Ottawa University men's basketball used a dominant first half and balanced scoring to earn a 92–69 victory over Culver-Stockton College on Wednesday night at Wilson Field House.

The Braves (8–5) wasted little time taking control, shooting 64.5 percent from the field in the opening half and building a 55–29 advantage at the break. Ottawa never trailed after the opening minutes and led by as many as 28 points in the first half.

First Half
Culver-Stockton scored the game's first basket, but Ottawa quickly responded behind efficient ball movement and strong interior play. A three-pointer from Micah Willis at the 18:42 mark gave the Braves their first lead, and Ottawa steadily extended the margin with contributions from multiple players.

Jackson Esary knocked down a pair of three-pointers and consistently attacked the paint, while Jackson Harding added inside scoring to fuel a 21–9 run midway through the half. Ottawa continued to capitalize on turnovers and second-chance opportunities, closing the half on a 15–2 surge to take a commanding 55–29 lead.

Esary led all scorers at halftime with 18 points as the Braves connected on 20-of-31 shots from the floor.

Second Half
Culver-Stockton opened the second half with renewed energy, trimming the deficit with baskets from Alex Jackson IV and Damont Hanton. Ottawa answered each push, however, as Harding and Cameron Lawson scored key baskets to keep the Wildcats at bay.

The Braves maintained their rhythm offensively, mixing perimeter shooting with strong paint production. Harding hit a pair of three-pointers in the half, while Elijah Mason and Rich Martelly provided timely scoring off the bench. Ottawa matched Culver-Stockton point for point down the stretch and closed out the 92–69 win.

By the Numbers
Ottawa shot 55.2 percent from the field and 47.4 percent from three-point range, while holding Culver-Stockton to 41.8 percent shooting. The Braves also held a 36–24 rebounding advantage and scored 38 points in the paint.

Harding led Ottawa with 21 points and eight rebounds. Esary added 20 points, while Willis and Martelly chipped in 10 points each. Lawson contributed nine points, six rebounds, and three assists.
For Culver-Stockton (3–11), Travis Green III led all scorers with 25 points, while Damont Hanton finished with 14.

Who is Next
Ottawa (8-5, 4-3) returns to the court on Saturday, Jan. 3 in Wichita, Kan. against Friends University at the Garvey Center. Game time is set for 3:00 p.m.