OTTAWA, Kan. – The University of Saint Mary men's basketball team dropped 83-71 to a tough (7)Ottawa University team Saturday night to split the conference series. Saint Mary trailed by as many as 24 with hot shooting from the Braves early on. Four Spires scored in double-digits.

The Spires are now 11-9 overall and 7-9 KCAC.

The Braves got on the board first with a bucket. Dallas Taylor found Jaylon Rucker for three, and then stole the ball on the next possession that turned into another three-pointer to put the Spires up 6-2. Ottawa then got hot shooting from behind the arch as they went 7-13 from behind the three-point line. The Braves led 50-31 at halftime.

Rucker began the half with a bucket that was immediately answered by Ottawa. Brad Hailey snagged an offensive rebound and found Cameron Southern for three to make it 40-57. At the 10:46 mark, Southern drove and scored to spark a 9-0 run. The Braves weathered the storm and were able to deny the Spires the comeback.

Hailey led the team with 16 points and was just shy of a double-double with eight rebounds. Carmichael had a double-double as he finished with 11 points and 12 rebounds. Rucker finished with 11points, and Howard had 10 points.

UP NEXT
The Spires return to Ryan Sports Center Monday night where they will take on Avila University. This is a makeup game from Jan. 11. Tip-off is set for 8 p.m.