Ottawa, Kan. — Ottawa University battled throughout the night but could not overcome a fast start and consistent shooting from the University of Saint Mary, falling 83–65 Wednesday evening inside Wilson Field House.
First Half
Saint Mary opened the game aggressively, knocking down three early three-pointers to jump out to a quick lead. Ottawa responded with a triple from
Micah Willis and strong interior play from
Jackson Harding, but turnovers and second-chance opportunities allowed the Spires to extend the margin.
USM used efficient shooting and transition baskets to build a double-digit advantage midway through the half.
Jackson Esary provided a spark off the bench, scoring eight points in the opening period, while
Kuol Reech added a late bucket inside to close the half.
Despite winning the rebounding battle early, Ottawa struggled from the field, shooting under 30 percent in the half as Saint Mary carried a 36–22 lead into the locker room.
Second Half
Ottawa opened the second half with improved energy, as Harding and
Cameron Lawson converted early baskets in the paint to cut into the deficit.
Landyn Tyler added back-to-back scores during a brief run that trimmed the margin to 10.
However, Saint Mary answered each push with timely baskets, using fast-break points and second-chance opportunities to regain control. The Spires pushed the lead to as many as 19 midway through the half.
Micah Willis knocked down a pair of three-pointers late, and
Aaron Lewis added a fast-break layup in the closing minutes, but Saint Mary's efficiency at the free-throw line sealed the outcome as Ottawa fell 83–65.
Game Stats Breakdown
Team Stats
- FG%: Ottawa 40.0% | Saint Mary 49.1%
- 3PT FG: Ottawa 4–14 (28.6%) | Saint Mary 7–17 (41.2%)
- FT: Ottawa 13–19 (68.4%) | Saint Mary 20–24 (83.3%)
- Rebounds: Ottawa 31 | Saint Mary 40
- Turnovers: Ottawa 20 | Saint Mary 18
Ottawa Individual Leaders
Who is Next
Ottawa (9-10, 5-8) returns to the court on Saturday, January 24 at York University in York, Neb. Game time is set for 2:00 p.m.
