LINDSBORG, Kan. - The Ottawa University women's basketball team mounted a furious fourth-quarter comeback, but a last-second shot lifted Bethany College past the Braves, 65–63, on Saturday afternoon inside Hahn Gymnasium.
Bethany opened the game on a 7–0 run and controlled the first quarter, shooting 58.8 percent from the field to build a 24–11 lead. Ottawa struggled to find rhythm offensively early, but key first-quarter threes from
Clare Williams and
Molly Martin helped keep the Braves within reach.
Ottawa continued to battle through the second quarter, with
Kiana Hostetler sparking the offense off the bench with five points. Despite being held to just 14.3 percent shooting in the period, Ottawa's defense tightened, holding Bethany to 12 points and keeping the deficit manageable at halftime, 36–21.
The Braves found life in the third quarter, using a 19-8 advantage to storm back into the game.
McKinley Kruger and
Molly Martin knocked down key shots, while Ottawa's dominance on the offensive glass fueled multiple second-chance opportunities. A late bucket by
Ashlynn Arnsman pulled OU within four heading into the final frame, 44–40.
In the fourth quarter, Bethany briefly pushed the lead back to double digits, but Ottawa refused to fade.
Dominique Schutte caught fire, scoring 10 points in the period, including a deep three with five seconds left to tie the game at 63–63. However, Bethany responded immediately—Colbi Rignell hit a jumper at the buzzer to secure the win for the Swedes.
Ottawa Leaders
Team Notes
- Ottawa outrebounded Bethany 50–36, including 19 offensive boards.
- The Braves' bench contributed 26 points.
- Ottawa finished 10-for-39 from three and 9-for-11 at the free-throw line.
Who is Next
Ottawa (7-2, 3-2) returns to the court on Wednesday, Dec. 10 in Wilson Field House against Evangel University. Game time is set for 6:00 p.m.
