OTTAWA, Kan. – The University of Saint Mary women's basketball team nearly come back from a nine point deficit against Ottawa University. The final score was 73-70. Four Spires scored in double-digits.

The Spires are now 3-17 overall and 3-13 KCAC.

Danielle Cassady opened things up with a three-pointer that was immediately answered by the Braves with a three-pointer of their own. After trailing 6-5, the Spires went on a 7-0 run to go up 13-6 with 3:20 left in the first quarter. Ottawa went on a run of their own, and the game was tied 15-15 at the end of the quarter. Midway through the second, Katie Robinson found Dakota Corle inside the paint for a bucket to put Saint Mary up 24-20. The Spires got on a roll and led by as many as 12 before the Braves closed the gap and trailed 37-31 at the half.

Ottawa came out with some fire in the second half and drilled a three-pointer to make it a one possession game. Both teams traded baskets and USM called a timeout after a bucket from Ottawa tied the game up 39-39. The Braves were able to take the lead after a three-pointer, but Cassady responded with a basket on the next possession. At the 2:00 mark of the third quarter, Kaylie Simonds drilled a three to tie the game up 47-47. Ottawa was able to answer and led 52-47 heading into the final quarter. The Braves expanded their lead to 10 with 2:18 left in the game. Rebecca Gilpin found Cassady off a turnover and she hit the triple to make it a seven point game. After back-to-back turnovers by the Braves, the Spires to put them within two with :23 seconds left in the game. Ottawa made free-throws down the stretch to seal the win.

Cassady led the team with 27 points. Macy Walker had another double-double, finishing with 16 points and 10 rebounds. Corle finished with 11 points. Gilpin had 10 points and five assists.

UP NEXT
The Spires return to action Monday night inside Ryan Sports Center where they will take on Avila University. This is a makeup game from Jan. 11. Tip-off is set for 6 p.m.