OTTAWA, Kan. – The Ottawa University men's basketball team took the season series from McPherson College with an 101-99 victory on Saturday afternoon in Wilson Field House.

Baskets by Payton Kaiser and Jayden Hibbitt gave OU a 5-0 lead over McPherson in the opening minutes of the first half. McPherson answered on an 8-2 run, taking an 8-7 lead over OU.

The Bulldogs increased their lead to six points, 20-14, with 11:18 remaining in the first half. Ottawa rallied and after a Kaiser basket, the Braves had a 24-22 lead. OU increased its lead to eight points, 34-26, on a Najee Jones jumper with 5:29 on the clock.

McPherson put together a 13-0 run, taking a 39-34 lead over the Braves. Ottawa cut into the Bulldog lead. Back-to-back 3-pt field goals by Kaiser and Jones gave OU a 40-39 lead with 1:48 left in the half.
The Braves were not able to take that lead into the half. The Bulldogs were able to connect on a three, just before the buzzer sounded, to take a 42-40 lead into the locker room.

A 3-pt field goal by Deondre Buggage and a basket by Trey Twa gave OU a 45-42 lead at the start of the second half. A jumper by Keith Robinson increased the Brave lead to 49-46.

Ottawa's lead didn't last long. McPherson scored the next four points, retaking the lead 50-49. The Braves, however, retook the lead and increased it to double digits, 83-70, after a Kaiser three with 6:32 left in the game.

McPherson did not go away. The Bulldogs put together a 24-11 run to tie the game at 94 all with 1:17 left in regulation. Ottawa retook the lead on a three by Hibbitt, 97-94. After a defensive stop by the Braves, Keith Robinson's basket gave the Braves a 99-94 lead with 10 seconds on the clock.

The Bulldogs quickly answered with a basket to cut OU"s lead back to three points, 99-96 with seven seconds remaining in the contest. McPherson was forced to foul and Jones made both of his free throws to give OU a 101-96 lead. The Bulldogs made a three at the buzzer and the Braves took the 101-99 victory.

Inside the Box Score

• Ottawa shot 55.2 percent from the floor, 48 percent from behind the 3-pt line, and were a perfect 15-for-15 from the free throw line.
• OU had four players in double figures led by Najee Jones 38 points on 11-for-16 shooting from the floor. He also led OU with six assists.
• Keith Robinson finished with his eighth double-double of the season, 13 points and 10 rebounds.
• Jayden Hibbitt scored 12 points and Payton Kaiser finished the game with 11 points. It was Kaiser's third straight game with 10 or more points.

Who is Next
Ottawa (15-7, 11-5) returns to the court on Wednesday, Feb. 5 in Kansas City, Mo. against Avila University. Tip off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.