YORK, Neb. — Ottawa University men's basketball used a strong second-half performance to pull away from York University, earning an 88–76 road victory Friday afternoon inside the Freeman Center.

After trailing at halftime, the Braves erupted for 55 second-half points and built a lead as large as 19 to secure the win.

First Half
York jumped out early behind hot perimeter shooting and strong inside play from Jadin Johnson and Eli Nutting. The Panthers built an eight-point advantage midway through the half, using multiple three-pointers to control the tempo.

Ottawa responded with balanced scoring, as Micah Willis and Jackson Harding helped the Braves chip away at the deficit. A late three-pointer by Willis briefly gave Ottawa the lead, but York closed the half strong to regain control to take a 36-33 halftime lead. Second Half
Ottawa came out aggressive to open the second period, quickly reclaiming the lead behind three-point shooting from Jackson Harding and Aaron Lewis. The Braves attacked the paint consistently, getting contributions from Landyn Tyler, Elijah Mason, and Kuol Reech.

Midway through the half, Ottawa went on a decisive run, fueled by strong defense and transition scoring. Back-to-back threes from Willis and steady ball movement helped push the lead into double figures.

The Braves extended the advantage to as many as 19 points with just under seven minutes remaining. York attempted to rally late, but Ottawa sealed the game at the free-throw line down the stretch to secure the 88–76 victory. Game Stats Breakdown
Team Stats
• FG%: Ottawa 46.2% (30–65) | York 43.8% (28–64)
• 3PT FG: Ottawa 10–30 (33.3%) | York 12–34 (35.3%)
• FT: Ottawa 18–25 (72.0%) | York 8–10 (80.0%)
• Rebounds: Ottawa 38 | York 35
• Turnovers: Ottawa 11 | York 14 Ottawa Individual Leaders
• Points:
– Micah Willis – 16
– Jackson Harding – 13
– Landyn Tyler – 11
– Elijah Mason – 11
– Jackson Esary – 10
• Rebounds:
– Rich Martelly – 6
– Multiple Braves with 5 rebounds
• Assists:
– Landyn Tyler – 7
Who is Next
Ottawa (10-10, 6-8) returns to the court on Wednesday, Jan. 28 in Springfield, Mo. against Evangel University. Game time is set for 7:30 p.m.