LEAVENWORTH, Kan. - The Ottawa University women's basketball team erased a double-digit second-half deficit but came up just short in a 77-72 road loss to University of Saint Mary Wednesday night inside Ryan Sports Center.

Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown
First Quarter
Ottawa weathered early free throws from Saint Mary and answered with aggressive drives and timely shooting. Schutte knocked down a pair of first-quarter threes, including one in the final 35 seconds to reclaim the lead. The Braves forced turnovers and capitalized at the line to take an 18-17 edge after one.

Second Quarter
Saint Mary used a 10-0 run midway through the period to flip momentum. Abby Wendte and Grampsas fueled the spurt as the Spires built their largest lead of the half. Ottawa continued to attack the paint and get to the line, but USM's three-point shooting and interior finishes stretched the margin to 10 at the break.

Third Quarter
Saint Mary pushed its lead to 12 early in the third, but Ottawa responded with poise. Kruger scored inside, Williams attacked the paint, and the Braves steadily chipped away at the deficit. Ottawa trimmed the margin to five heading into the fourth after strong free-throw shooting and improved defensive possessions down the stretch.

Fourth Quarter
Ottawa cut the deficit to four midway through the final period behind buckets from Arnsman, Williams, and Aaliyah Brown. The Braves forced turnovers and turned defense into offense, narrowing the gap to 70-67 with under two minutes to play.

Saint Mary answered with timely three-point shooting and late free throws. Schutte's three-pointer with one second left capped the scoring, but the Braves' comeback bid ran out of time. Game Notes

• Ottawa shot nearly 80% from the free throw line and outscored Saint Mary in bench production (25-19).
• The Braves committed just 10 turnovers while forcing 15.
• Ottawa held Saint Mary to 39.3% shooting but surrendered nine three-pointers.
• The game featured six lead changes and four ties.

By the Numbers

• Final Score: Saint Mary 77, Ottawa 72
• Records: Ottawa 15-12 (10-11 KCAC); Saint Mary 18-9 (15-6 KCAC)
• Field Goal %: OU 38.9% (21-54); USM 39.3% (22-56)
• 3-Point FG: OU 3-12 (25.0%); USM 9-24 (37.5%)
• Free Throws: OU 27-34 (79.4%); USM 24-34 (70.6%)
• Rebounds: USM 29, OU 26
• Turnovers: OU 10, USM 15
• Lead Changes: 6
• Times Tied: 4

Ottawa Leaders

• Dominique Schutte: 15 points, 3-of-8 from three, 6-of-7 FT
• Clare Williams: 12 points, 2 assists
• McKinley Kruger: 9 points, 5 rebounds
• Ashlynn Arnsman: 9 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists
• Miranda Patterson: 8 points (6-8 FT), 2 assists
• Bench Points: 25

Saint Mary was paced by Saige Grampsas with 19 points and nine rebounds. Who is Next
Ottawa (15-12, 10-11) returns to the court on Saturday, February 21 in Wilson Field House against Kansas Wesleyan University. Game time is set for 1:00 p.m.