WICHITA, Kan. — Ottawa University men's basketball dropped an 84–75 decision at Friends University on Friday afternoon at the Garvey Center, despite multiple late second-half rallies that brought the Braves even with the Falcons.

First Half
Friends opened the game with an early three-pointer, but Micah Willis answered quickly to give Ottawa its only lead of the half at 3–0 just over a minute in. The Falcons responded with pressure defense and strong inside play, forcing turnovers and converting second-chance opportunities to slowly build separation.

Ottawa kept pace at the free throw line and on the glass, with Elijah Mason providing energy off the bench and Landyn Tyler scoring in the paint. However, Friends closed the half on a 10–4 run, capped by baskets in the final minute, to take a 40–34 lead into the break.

Second Half
Ottawa opened the second half aggressively, trimming the deficit to four on multiple occasions behind baskets from Kuol Reech and Willis. Friends countered each push, extending the lead back to double digits midway through the half.

The Braves mounted their strongest surge in the final 10 minutes. Tyler sparked a run with hustle plays on both ends, and Ottawa tied the game at 61–61 with 8:51 remaining following a Cameron Lawson basket off a turnover. Ottawa tied the score two more times, including at 70–70 on a Willis three-pointer with 4:54 left.

Each time, Friends responded with timely shooting, including back-to-back threes and strong finishes in the paint down the stretch. Ottawa continued to battle inside, but Friends closed the game at the free throw line and with late buckets to secure the win, 84-75.

By the Numbers

• Micah Willis: 22 points to lead Ottawa
• Landyn Tyler: 14 points, 5 assists
• Elijah Mason: 12 points, 7 rebounds
• Team Stats: Ottawa shot 45.6% from the field, 21.1% from three, and 73.1% at the free throw line
• Rebounds: Tied 36–36
• Turnovers: Ottawa 15, Friends 9

Friends was led by Cahlese Lee with 23 points and Ringo Deng with 22 points and 11 rebounds.

Who is Next
Ottawa (8-6, 4-4) returns to the court on Wednesday, January 7 in Kansas City, Mo. against Avila University. Tip off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.