SALINA, Kan. – The Ottawa University men's basketball team snapped its three game losing streak on Saturday night. The Braves defeated Kansas Wesleyan University, 84-82, in Mabee Arena. This is the first time since the 2019-20 season that OU took the season series from KWU.

The Braves fell behind early to Kansas Wesleyan with the Coyotes taking a 9-2 lead over the Braves. Ottawa responded by scoring 10 straight points to take a 12-11 lead on a Najee Jones' free throw with 13:03 left in the half.

The teams exchanged points and with 9:20 on the clock, Kansas Wesleyan had a 19-16 lead. The OU defense picked up the intensity and for the next nine minutes, Ottawa held the Coyotes to 10 points. The Braves ended the half on a 26-10 run, taking a 42-29 lead into the locker room.

Keith Robinson opened the second half with a basket, increasing the OU lead to 44-29. KWU cut into the Brave lead and with 16:57 on the clock, Ottawa had a 48-41 lead. A basket by Jayden Hibbitt and two Trey Twa free throws gave OU a 52-41 lead.

The Coyotes chipped away at the Brave lead and cut OU's lead back to seven points, 58-51, with 13:07 left in the second half. Ottawa answered by pushing its lead back to double digits and after two Jones' free throws, the Braves led 75-51 at the 8:37 mark in the second half.

The Braves went cold and KWU put together a 28-4 run, taking its first lead of the second half with 1:10 left in the contest, 79-78. That lead did not last long. Jones attacked the basket, and his jumper gave OU an 80-79 lead.

The Coyotes retook the lead on their next offensive possession, 81-80, with 39 seconds left in regulation. The Braves answered with a three by Braylon Wheeler and with 21 seconds left in the game, Ottawa led 83-81.

On the Coyotes next trip down the floor, KWU ran the clock down and Easton Hunter was fouled with seven seconds on the clock. He missed his first free throw attempt but made his second and OU had a one point lead, 83-82.

KWU fouled OU, sending Wheeler to the free throw line. He made one of two free throws to give the Braves an 84-82 lead with six seconds on the clock. The Coyotes had one look at a three but the shot was long and the Braves took the 84-82 victory.

Inside the Box Score

• Ottawa shot 43.5 percent from the floor, 21.4 percent from behind the 3-pt line, and 75 percent from the free throw line.
• OU had three players in double figures led by Najee Jones 22 points. He led the Braves with nine rebounds.
• Jayden Hibbitt scored 20 points and Keith Robinson finished the game with 14 points.
• Landyn Tyler led OU with three assists.

Who is Next
Ottawa (18-10, 14-8) is the fifth seed in the KCAC Tournament. OU will play the fourth seed, Bethel College in North Newton, Kan. on Wednesday, Feb. 26. Game time is set for 7:00 p.m.