SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Ottawa University erased a 16-point fourth-quarter deficit and forced overtime, but (17) Evangel University pulled away in the extra period as the Braves fell 83–76 Wednesday evening at AGFinancial Arena.
First Quarter
Evangel set the tone early, jumping out to a quick lead behind interior scoring from Heaven Shockley and perimeter shooting from Cassidy Hambelton. Ottawa found offense from
McKinley Kruger and
Clare Williams, while
Dominique Schutte knocked down an early three to keep the Braves within reach.
Despite several defensive stops late in the quarter, Evangel closed strong and took a six-point advantage.
Second Quarter
Ottawa opened the second quarter with a three-pointer from Kruger and continued to battle on the defensive end, but Evangel responded with back-to-back threes to extend the margin.
Schutte provided a spark off the bench, attacking the rim and converting at the free-throw line, while
Alison Daniels added transition baskets. Still, Evangel controlled the tempo and maintained a double-digit lead heading into halftime.
Third Quarter
The Panthers came out of the break with momentum, opening the quarter on a run that pushed the lead to 14. Williams and
Ashlynn Arnsman helped steady Ottawa with strong finishes inside, and Williams connected on a key three to stop the surge.
Despite improved offensive flow, Evangel continued to capitalize on second-chance opportunities and carried its largest lead of the night into the final quarter.
Fourth Quarter
Ottawa mounted a dramatic comeback in the final 10 minutes.
Schutte caught fire from beyond the arc, knocking down multiple three-pointers to ignite the rally.
Clare Williams added timely baskets, including a deep three in the closing seconds to tie the game at 71–71.
The Braves outscored Evangel 27–15 in the fourth quarter to force overtime after trailing by as many as 16.
Overtime
Ottawa briefly took the lead early in overtime on baskets from
Alison Daniels and Arnsman, but Evangel answered with key finishes from Hambelton and Shockley.
The Panthers converted at the free-throw line in the final minute to pull away, sealing the overtime win.
Game Stats Breakdown
Team Stats
- FG%: Ottawa 37.8% | Evangel 41.5%
- 3PT FG: Ottawa 13–38 (34.2%) | Evangel 9–28 (32.1%)
- FT: Ottawa 7–10 (70.0%) | Evangel 6–7 (85.7%)
- Rebounds: Ottawa 33 | Evangel 48
- Turnovers: Ottawa 15 | Evangel 17
Ottawa Individual Leaders
Who is Next
Ottawa (12-9, 7-8) returns to the court on Saturday, January 31 in a road contest against McPherson College. Game time is set for 1:00 p.m.
