OTTAWA, Kan. - The Ottawa University Braves put together one of their grittier efforts of the season Saturday afternoon in Wilson Field House, but a blistering third quarter from Kansas Wesleyan University proved to be the difference in a 75-68 setback.

By the Quarters

First Quarter
Ottawa came out sharp offensively.

• McKinley Kruger attacked early, scoring eight first-quarter points on 4-of-5 shooting.
• Dominique Schutte knocked down a pair of threes to keep the Braves within striking distance.

After Jocelyn Hall hit a late three for Kansas Wesleyan, Schutte answered with a triple of her own to tie it 18-18. But Anna Jueneman's jumper in the closing seconds gave the Coyotes a slim edge after one.

Ottawa shot 50 percent in the frame but gave up second-chance opportunities that proved costly. Second Quarter
The Braves were at their best in the second.

• Schutte caught fire again, drilling two more three-pointers.
• Kruger added seven points in the quarter.
• Ottawa shot 57.1 percent from the field and 60 percent from deep.

A 3-pointer by Schutte with 39 seconds left stretched the lead to 42-37 before Hall scored late to make it 42-39 at halftime.

Ottawa carried momentum into the break, controlling tempo and forcing Kansas Wesleyan into contested looks. Third Quarter 
This was where the game shifted.

Kansas Wesleyan shot a scorching 77.8 percent in the third quarter (7-of-9), capitalizing on defensive breakdowns.

Ottawa briefly regained the lead at 54-52 on a Molly Martin three, but the Coyotes answered immediately:

• Odessa Ozuna hit a go-ahead three with 29 seconds left.
• Kruger countered with a late layup to put Ottawa up 58-57 entering the fourth.

Despite the narrow lead, the efficiency gap began to show as Kansas Wesleyan consistently found high-percentage looks inside. Fourth Quarter

Ottawa's offense stalled in the final period.

• The Braves shot just 21.4 percent (3-of-14) in the quarter.
• Kruger's three-pointer with 2:06 left cut the deficit to 69-68.
• But Ozuna answered with a clutch jumper at the 0:40 mark to make it 71-68.

From there, Kansas Wesleyan sealed it at the free-throw line, while Ottawa's final three-point attempt by Schutte came up short.

Despite multiple blocks from Hall and strong defensive stretches, the Braves couldn't generate enough late offense to complete the comeback. Ottawa Statistical Leaders

• McKinley Kruger: 27 points (11-19 FG), 2 steals
• Dominique Schutte: 20 points, 6-of-12 from three-point range
• Ashlynn Arnsman: 9 rebounds, 4 assists
• Ottawa shot 37.5% from three (9-24)
• Braves committed just 11 turnovers
• 28 points in the paint
• 15 assists on 25 made field goals

Key Team Numbers

• Kansas Wesleyan shot 54.9% overall (28-51)
• Ottawa shot 40.3% (25-62)
• Rebounds: Kansas Wesleyan 36, Ottawa 31
• Points off turnovers: Ottawa 16, Kansas Wesleyan 12
• Lead changes: 16
• Ties: 11