WICHITA, Kan. – The Ottawa University men's basketball team defeated KCAC leader, Friends University, 86-79, in overtime at the Garvey Center on Saturday afternoon. The win avenges a January 4 loss to the Falcons, 110-88, in Wilson Field House. The Braves are 4-1 under interim head coach Jamie Batish and are in third place in the KCAC.

Baskets by Trey Twa and Jayden Hibbitt gave the Braves a 5-0 lead over Friends in the opening minutes of the first half. Ottawa extended its lead to 10-2 over the Falcons, leading to a Friends' time out with 15:44 to go in the first half.

Friends rallied, putting together a 16-3 run to take an 18-13 lead over OU. The Falcons continued to hold their lead over the Braves and with 3:30 on the clock, had the 35-27 advantage. Ottawa did not go away and responded by ending the half on a 10-2 run to tie the game at 37 all at the half.

The Falcons scored the first six points of the second half, taking a 43-37 lead. Ottawa cut the Falcon lead to three points, 53-50, on a basket by Alex Riddick.

The Falcons pushed the lead to seven points, 57-50, with 10:30 remaining in regulation. Ottawa scored the next seven points and were within 57-56 after a Najee Jones basket. Friends again pushed its lead to seven points, 63-56, and again the Braves rallied. This time OU was able to get over the hump and take the lead.

The Braves put together a 15-5 run and after a basket by Jones, Ottawa had a 71-68 lead with 2:29 on the clock. Friends cut OU's lead to 71-70 on two Randy Woolf, Jr. free throws at the 1:06 mark. Ottawa ran the clock down and Jones attempted a shot. It was no good and Hibbitt rebounded the ball with 43 seconds on the clock.

Friends did not foul, and Deondre Buggage attempted a three with 25 seconds left in the game. Hibbitt again rebounded the miss. This time Friends fouled, sending Buggage to the free throw line.

Buggage made both free throws, giving the Braves a 73-70 lead with 14 seconds left in regulation. The Falcons pushed the ball up the floor and Collin Maclin attacked the basket. He made the shot attempt and was fouled with six seconds on the clock. Maclin made the free throw and the game was tied 73-73.

OU inbounded the ball to Buggage with six seconds remaining in regulation. He went the length of the floor and got to the rim. Buggage's shot attempt was no good and the game went into overtime.

Friends scored the first five points of the overtime period to take a 78-73 lead. Ottawa answered with eight straight points by Jones to take an 81-78 lead with 1:57 left in the game. A basket by Hibbitt increased the OU lead to five points, 83-78.

The Falcons cut into OU's lead with a free throw from Ring Deng, 83-79 with 52 seconds on the clock. Ottawa ran the clock down and Buggage attacked the basket. He found Payton Kaiser open on the wing for the three. It was good and the Braves had an 86-79 lead with 25 seconds left in the game.

The Braves came away with a defensive stop and Kaiser rebounded the miss, giving OU the 86-79 victory.

Inside the Box Score

• Ottawa shot 46.3 percent from the floor, 41.4 percent from behind the 3-pt line, and 92.3 percent from the free throw line.
• OU had four players in double figures led by Najee Jones 26 points.
• Jayden Hibbitt scored 17 points, Deondre Buggage finished with 15 points, and Payton Kaiser scored 11 points.
• Kaiser led the Braves with five assists, Buggage had four assists and Jones finished with four.
• Keith Robinson finished the game with two blocks.

Who is Next
Ottawa (17-7, 13-5) returns to the floor on Wednesday, Feb. 12 in Bartlesville, Okla. against KCAC leader Oklahoma Wesleyan University. Game time is set for 8:00 p.m.