The Saint Mary men's basketball team topped Ottawa 77-70 at home on Saturday. It was the second victory over the Braves for the Spires this season. The win improves the Spires to 11-9 overall and 9-5 in KCAC play. Saint Mary remains in a three way tie with Oklahoma Wesleyan and Friends for second place in the KCAC.

The Spires continued their hot and cold play in the win. Saint Mary would jump out to a 10-2 lead in the opening minutes and push out to a 31 point lead at one point in the first half. At halftime, the Spires led 51-23 appearing to be well on their way to a blowout victory. Ottawa would not go away quietly, however. The Braves trimmed the deficit all the way down to five points with just under two minutes remaining in the game. The Spires would hang on allowing Ottawa to draw no closer as they eventually prevalied 77-70.

Demetrius Cady continued to be red hot from three point range in the win. Cady shot 60% from three for the second straight game and finished with a game high 17 points. Edvonte Copeland added 11 points and a team high five assists. Copeland and Cady each had two steals as well. Brett Marsh led the Spires in rebounds with seven, all coming on the defensive end.

The Spires shot 52% from the floor, 48% from three, and 73% from the free throw line. They held Ottawa to just 34% shooting from the floor and 13% shooting from three point range. It is the second straight game that Saint Mary held their opponent to under 40% shooting from the field.

Saint Mary will be back in action at Kansas Wesleyan on Wednesday at 8pm. The Spires topped the Coyotes 70-64 in the Ryan Sports Center earlier this season. Kansas Wesleyan is 10-10 on the season and 8-6 in KCAC play.