NORTH NEWTON, Kan. — The Ottawa University women's basketball team erased an early deficit and fought through multiple momentum swings before falling 72-55 to Bethel College Saturday afternoon inside Thresher Gymnasium.
First Quarter
The Braves struck first when
Ashlynn Arnsman scored in the paint just 25 seconds into the contest, assisted by
Clare Williams. Ottawa battled on the glass early, collecting multiple offensive rebounds and second-chance opportunities.
Despite strong defensive stretches and several forced turnovers, Bethel capitalized in transition late in the quarter to build a 12-point lead after one.
Second Quarter
Ottawa showed its resilience in the second frame.
Clare Williams and
Dominique Schutte sparked the offense with perimeter shooting, while
McKinley Kruger provided steady play at the free-throw line. A Schutte three-pointer at the 1:54 mark tied the game at 30-30, capping a determined comeback effort.
The Braves briefly regained the lead moments later during a fast-break opportunity, and Ottawa trailed by just two at halftime after outscoring Bethel 23-13 in the quarter.
The half featured four ties and three lead changes, underscoring how tightly contested the matchup became.
Third Quarter
Ottawa opened the second half by tying the game at 36-36 on a Kruger basket in the paint. The Braves' defense continued to pressure passing lanes and contest shots.
However, Bethel capitalized on turnovers during a key stretch midway through the quarter to create separation. Despite solid rebounding efforts from Arnsman and timely stops, Ottawa faced a 15-point deficit entering the final period.
Fourth Quarter
Ottawa continued to battle in the fourth. Kruger attacked the rim for key baskets, and
Molly Martin knocked down a second-chance three-pointer midway through the quarter to trim the margin.
Dominique Schutte added a late three, and the Braves converted at the free-throw line down the stretch. Bethel maintained its cushion in the closing minutes, but Ottawa's effort remained steady through the final horn.
Game Notes
- Final Score: Bethel 72, Ottawa 55
- Records: Ottawa (15-11, 10-10); Bethel (19-7, 16-4)
- Field Goal %: Ottawa 28.8% (17-59); Bethel 40.4% (23-57)
- Three-Point %: Ottawa 33.3% (8-24); Bethel 31.3% (5-16)
- Free Throws: Ottawa 72.2% (13-18); Bethel 72.4% (21-29)
- Rebounds: Ottawa 34, Bethel 33
- Turnovers Forced: Ottawa pressured Bethel into 15 turnovers
Ottawa Leaders
Ottawa's second-quarter surge highlighted the Braves' competitiveness on the road, as they erased a double-digit deficit and kept the contest within reach entering the second half.
Who is Next
Ottawa (15-11, 10-10) returns to the court on Wednesday, February 18 in Leavenworth, Kan. against the University of Saint Mary. Game time is set for 6:00 p.m.
