Ottawa, Kan. — The Ottawa University women's basketball team used a strong first half and timely plays down the stretch to secure a 76–71 victory over the University of Saint Mary on Wednesday night at Wilson Field House.

First Quarter 
Ottawa came out with energy on both ends, opening the game with crisp ball movement and strong interior play. Clare Williams knocked down an early three-pointer, while Ashlynn Arnsman and Hailey Rademan finished in the paint to help the Braves build momentum. Dominique Schutte added a key three off the bench, and Miranda Patterson capped the quarter with an and-one to push OU ahead 22–15 after one. Second Quarter
The Braves continued to apply pressure in the second quarter, forcing turnovers that turned into fast-break opportunities. McKinley Kruger was steady at the free-throw line and on the glass, while Williams hit another three to extend the lead. Ottawa went on a 14–3 run midway through the quarter, stretching the advantage to as many as 14 points before heading into halftime up 43–30. Third Quarter
Saint Mary came out firing in the third, cutting into the deficit with strong perimeter shooting. Despite the Spires' run, Ottawa answered with key baskets from Kruger and Schutte, who each connected from deep. The Braves pushed the lead to as many as 19, but USM closed the quarter on a surge to make it a 59–50 game entering the final 10 minutes. Fourth Quarter
The Spires continued to chip away in the fourth, trimming the lead to just one point with under two minutes remaining. Ottawa responded with composure, as Kruger scored inside and Aaliyah Brown calmly knocked down two late free throws. Kruger sealed the win at the line in the final seconds, helping the Braves hold off the comeback attempt and secure the 76–71 victory. Game Stats Breakdown
Team Stats

• FG%: Ottawa 41.9% | Saint Mary 41.5%
• 3PT FG: Ottawa 9–20 (45.0%) | Saint Mary 15–36 (41.7%)
• FT: Ottawa 15–17 (88.2%) | Saint Mary 2–4 (50.0%)
• Rebounds: Ottawa 42 | Saint Mary 33
• Turnovers: Ottawa 11 | Saint Mary 17

Ottawa Individual Leaders

• Points: Dominique Schutte – 15
• Other Double-Figure Scorers:
  • McKinley Kruger – 11
  • Kaelynn Duncan – 10
• Rebounds: McKinley Kruger – 10
• Assists: McKinley Kruger – 4; Miranda Patterson – 4

Who is Next
Ottawa (11-8, 6-7) returns to the court on Saturday, January 24 in a road contest against York University. Game time is set for 12:00 p.m.