LEAVENWORTH, Kan. – The University of Saint Mary men's basketball team pulled out a 74-69 win – defeating Ottawa inside the Ryan Sports Center for the third straight time and handing the Braves their first loss of the season Tuesday night.

The Spires improve to 6-2 overall and 3-2 in the KCAC.

Saint Mary was hitting on all cylinders in the first half as they jumped out to a 13-3 lead in the first five and a half minutes. Jesse Moss later connected on back-to-back three-point baskets to give USM a 21-12 lead, but Ottawa quickly climbed back in to the game and took a 30-28 lead with 5:42 remaining in the half.

The Braves held onto the lead the rest of the period and took a 41-35 lead at halftime. The Spires would bounce back early in the second half and tied the game at 41 after a basket from Cameron Southern and free throw by Raylon Howard. Both teams traded punches throughout the second half before Ottawa grabbed a 65-60 lead at the 7:06 mark. The Spires however, kept their composure and slowly battled back. Donovan Sinegal would hit a three-point basket from the corner to tie the score at 69 before Moss sank the hopes of the Braves with a long range shot of his own, giving USM a 72-69 lead with 1:36 to play.

Ottawa had two straight possessions to try to tie the game, but failed on both as Howard would make two free throws at the end to give the Spires the win.

Sinegal led the Spires with 15 points, while Brad Hailey pitched in 13 points and a team high nine robounds. Luke Mackey had 10 points and led the team with five assists.

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The Spires travel to Emporia, Kan. on Friday for an exhibition game against Emporia State. Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m.