Ottawa, Kan. — Ottawa University battled wire-to-wire with Bethel College on Saturday afternoon at Wilson Field House, but a last-second putback lifted the Threshers to an 80–78 victory in a tightly contested KCAC matchup.
First Quarter
Ottawa jumped out early behind strong defensive pressure and efficient offense.
Ashlynn Arnsman scored the Braves' first six points, while
Kaelynn Duncan added an early three-point play to help OU open a 5–0 lead.
Dominique Schutte provided a spark off the bench, knocking down back-to-back three-pointers midway through the quarter as Ottawa stretched its lead to 17–10. Bethel answered late with a pair of baskets from Madyson McKinzie, but the Braves held an 18–15 advantage after one.
Second Quarter
The second quarter featured multiple lead changes as both teams traded scoring runs.
McKinley Kruger attacked the paint for key buckets, while
Clare Williams and
Molly Martin each connected from beyond the arc to keep Ottawa in front.
Bethel countered with strong perimeter shooting, tying the game several times. Kruger capped the half with a buzzer-beating three-pointer, sending Ottawa into the locker room with a 40–37 lead.
Third Quarter
Ottawa delivered its strongest stretch coming out of halftime. Kruger scored seven early points in the quarter, including an and-one that pushed the Braves' lead to double digits.
Schutte and Martin added three-pointers as Ottawa built its largest lead of the game at 12 points. Despite a late Bethel push, the Braves maintained control and carried a 63–55 advantage into the fourth.
Fourth Quarter
Bethel chipped away early in the final period, using trips to the free-throw line and second-chance opportunities to close the gap. The Threshers eventually tied the game at 68 with just over four minutes remaining.
The final minutes featured multiple lead changes. Kruger converted an and-one with 1:10 left to give Ottawa a 78–76 lead, but Bethel answered with free throws to tie the game again.
With time winding down, Bethel forced a turnover and Kendall Locke scored on a putback at the buzzer, sealing the 80–78 decision.
Game Stats Breakdown
Team Stats
- FG%: Ottawa 39.7% | Bethel 42.4%
- 3PT FG: Ottawa 11–27 (40.7%) | Bethel 7–21 (33.3%)
- FT: Ottawa 13–20 (65.0%) | Bethel 23–29 (79.3%)
- Rebounds: Ottawa 36 | Bethel 48
- Turnovers: Ottawa 12 | Bethel 20
Ottawa Individual Leaders
Who is Next
Ottawa (10-8, 5-7) returns to the court on Wednesday, January 21 against the University of Saint Mary in Wilson Field House. Game time is set for 6:00 p.m.
