YORK, Neb. — Ottawa University women's basketball used a strong second-quarter surge and balanced scoring to earn an 81–73 road victory over York University on Friday morning at the Freeman Center.

First Quarter
The opening quarter featured back-and-forth action with four lead changes. York jumped out to an early advantage behind inside scoring, but Ottawa answered with strong rebounding and timely perimeter shooting.

McKinley Kruger knocked down a three-pointer midway through the quarter, and the Braves closed strong as Kiana Hostetler buried a corner three in the final seconds, giving Ottawa a 20–18 lead after one. Second Quarter
Ottawa seized control in the second quarter with a dominant offensive stretch, outscoring York 25–12.

Dominique Schutte sparked the run with back-to-back three-pointers, while Kaelynn Duncan and McKinley Kruger attacked the paint to extend the lead into double figures. The Braves forced multiple turnovers and turned them into transition baskets, pushing the margin to as many as 15 before halftime.

Ottawa went into the break leading 45–30, firmly in control of the momentum. Third Quarter
York attempted to rally early in the third, but Ottawa answered every push.

Kruger continued her strong performance with a mix of inside finishes and free throws, while Duncan knocked down a three-pointer to stretch the lead to its largest of the game at 18 points late in the quarter.

Despite York's ability to get to the foul line, the Braves maintained their composure and entered the fourth quarter with a 63–49 advantage. Fourth Quarter
The Panthers made their final push in the fourth, trimming the deficit to seven with just over four minutes remaining.

Each time York threatened, Ottawa responded. Alison Daniels scored in the paint off a dish from Miranda Patterson, and Kruger converted at the free-throw line to keep the Braves in front.

Ottawa sealed the game down the stretch with poise from the stripe, closing out the 81–73 victory on the road. Game Stats Breakdown
Team Stats

• Score: Ottawa 81 | York 73
• FG%: Ottawa 38.5% (25–65) | York 38.6% (22–57)
• 3PT FG: Ottawa 10–32 (31.3%) | York 6–26 (23.1%)
• FT: Ottawa 21–27 (77.8%) | York 23–35 (65.7%)
• Rebounds: Ottawa 46 | York 32
• Turnovers: Ottawa 17 | York 15

Ottawa Individual Leaders

• Points:
  • McKinley Kruger – 20
  • Dominique Schutte – 15
  • Kaelynn Duncan – 13
• Rebounds:
  • McKinley Kruger – 8
  • Hailey Rademan – 8
• Assists:
  • Ashlynn Arnsman – 4

Who is Next
Ottawa (12-8, 7-7) is back in action on Wednesday, Jan. 28 in Springfield, Mo. against no. 22 Evangel University. Game time is set for 5:30 p.m.