OTTAWA, Kan. – The Ottawa University men's basketball team fell 80-74 to the University of Saint Mary in Wilson Field House on Thursday evening.
Ottawa started the game 3-for-14 from the floor and found itself down 19-6 with 12:38 left in the first half. OU chipped away at the Spire lead and after a basket by
Keith Robinson, Ottawa was down 23-16.
Another basket by Robinson put OU within 27-22 with 7:19 left in the first. Saint Mary increased its lead back to double digits, 32-22. Ottawa again cut into the Spire lead. Two free throws by
Najee Jones put OU within 32-25 with 3:55 on the clock. The Spires answered by increasing their lead back to double figures with a 10-5 run, taking a 42-30 lead into the half.
The Braves cut into the Spire lead and with 13:23 left in the second half, trailed 53-48 after a
Landyn Tyler basket. Saint Mary scored the next four points, increasing its lead to 57-48. OU again cut into USM's lead, putting together an 11-2 run to tie the game at 59 all with 9:13 on the clock.
The Spires scored the next six points, taking a 65-59 lead over the Braves. Ottawa responded with an 8-2 run, to tie the game at 67 all with 6:27 left in the game on two Jones free throws. The Spires retook the lead but a three by
Payton Kaiser and a basket by
Jayden Hibbitt gave OU a 72-69 lead.
Saint Mary scored the next four points, retaking the lead 73-72 with 3:33 on the clock. Two Jones' free throws gave the Braves a 74-73 lead at the 2:38 mark. USM retook the lead 76-74 with 1:35 left in the contest. The Braves were unable to answer and USM scored the final four points of the game, taking the 80-74 victory.
Inside the Box Score
- The Braves shot 31.7 percent from the floor, 23.8 percent from behind the 3-pt line, and 80.6 percent from the free throw line.
- Ottawa had three players finish the game in double figures. Najee Jones and Keith Robinson had double-doubles. Jones scored 24 points and pulled down 10 rebounds. Robinson finished the game with 12 points and 10 rebounds.
- Jayden Hibbitt scored 13 points.
- Jone led OU with four assists. He had two steals.
Who is Next
Ottawa (17-10, 14-7) finishes the regular season on the road in Salina against Kansas Wesleyan University on Saturday, Feb. 22. Game time is set for 7:00 p.m.
