OTTAWA, Kan. — The Ottawa University men's basketball team rallied from a nine-point second-half deficit and closed the game on a clutch 6–0 run to defeat Southwestern College 73–71 on Wednesday night inside Wilson Field House.
Landyn Tyler led all scorers with 21 points, and
Jackson Esary delivered the game-winner with 48 seconds remaining.
First Half
Southwestern struck early, using inside scoring from Nigel John and a pair of threes from the perimeter to build a 15–11 lead at the 13-minute mark. Ottawa answered behind the hot hand of
Landyn Tyler, who scored 13 first-half points and tied the game multiple times throughout the opening period.
The Moundbuilders closed the half on a 9–2 run, capped by back-to-back threes from Austin Hilton, to take a 41–34 lead into the locker room.
Second Half
Southwestern extended its lead to 43–34, their largest of the night, just 25 seconds into the half. Ottawa responded immediately. Tyler drilled a three, followed by baskets from
Rich Martelly and
Micah Willis, sparking a 10–0 run that gave the Braves their first lead since the early minutes, 44–43.
The half swung back and forth with 11 ties overall. Every time Southwestern surged ahead—often through the strong play of Wyatt Bell (19 points)—Ottawa countered with key baskets from
Elijah Mason,
Jackson Harding, and Esary.
Trailing 71–69 in the final minute, Ottawa forced a turnover, and Esary converted a transition layup to tie the game at 71–71 with 48 seconds left. After a defensive stop, Tyler stepped to the line with four seconds remaining and calmly sank both free throws to give Ottawa a 73–71 lead. Southwestern's final three-point attempt missed as time expired.
Ottawa Statistical Leaders
Ottawa shot 48.4% from the field and held Southwestern to 43.3%, overcoming a 38–33 rebounding disadvantage and capitalizing on 13 Moundbuilder turnovers.
Who is Next
Ottawa (6-3, 3-1) returns to the court on Saturday, December 6 in Lindsborg, Kan. against Bethany College. Game time is set for 5:00 p.m.
