BARTLESVILLE, Okla. – The Ottawa University women's basketball team used a dominant second quarter to build separation and held on down the stretch for a 56–50 road win over Oklahoma Wesleyan on Wednesday night at the Mueller Sport Center. After a tightly contested opening period, the Braves outscored the Eagles 26–10 in the second quarter to take control of the game, pushing their lead as high as 21 points before withstanding a late Oklahoma Wesleyan rally.

First Quarter
Ottawa and Oklahoma Wesleyan traded baskets early as neither team could gain separation in the opening 10 minutes. McKinley Kruger got the Braves going with an early three-pointer, while Ottawa's defense limited the Eagles' interior looks. The quarter featured three ties and multiple lead changes before the teams went to the break knotted at 13–13.

Second Quarter
The Braves took control of the game with a dominant second quarter, outscoring the Eagles 26–10. Ottawa used defensive pressure to force turnovers and turned them into points in transition. A 21–4 run midway through the period pushed the Braves' lead to as many as 21 points. Ottawa shot efficiently from the floor and knocked down timely three-pointers to take a commanding 39–23 advantage into halftime.

Third Quarter
Oklahoma Wesleyan responded coming out of the locker room, trimming into the deficit behind improved shooting and trips to the free-throw line. Despite being outscored in the quarter, Ottawa maintained control by answering key Eagle runs with baskets in the paint and at the line. The Braves entered the fourth quarter holding a 49–36 lead.

Fourth Quarter
The Eagles continued to apply pressure late, cutting the lead to single digits in the final minutes. Ottawa stayed composed down the stretch, making key defensive stops and converting critical possessions to hold off the comeback attempt. The Braves sealed the win at the free-throw line and on the defensive glass to secure the 56–50 road victory.

Game Stats Breakdown
Team Stats

• FG%: Ottawa 45.1% | Oklahoma Wesleyan 35.3%
• 3PT FG: Ottawa 5–15 (33.3%) | Oklahoma Wesleyan 3–13 (23.1%)
• FT: Ottawa 5–7 (71.4%) | Oklahoma Wesleyan 11–13 (84.6%)
• Rebounds: Ottawa 19 | Oklahoma Wesleyan 26
• Turnovers: Ottawa 13 | Oklahoma Wesleyan 22
• Bench Points: Ottawa 27 | Oklahoma Wesleyan 13

Ottawa Individual Leaders

• Points: McKinley Kruger – 15
• Rebounds: Alison Daniels – 5
• Assists: Kaelynn Duncan – 3
• Steals: Kaelynn Duncan – 3; Alison Daniels – 3
• Blocks: Ashlynn Arnsman – 1; Hailey Rademan – 1

Who is Next
Ottawa (10-7, 5-6) returns to the court on Saturday, January 17 against Bethel College in Wilson Field House. Game time is set for 2:00 p.m.