Leavenworth, Kan.- The University of Saint Mary Men's Basketball team traveled to play the Ottawa Braves on Saturday for their regular-season finale, resulting in a 93-91 overtime win. The Spires finished the year with an overall record of 17-11 and a KCAC record of 13-9, winning ten of their last eleven games and taking fifth place in the conference. 

Saint Mary opened the game with an 11-3 scoring run to give them the early momentum. The Braves were able to respond by cutting into the growing USM lead to make it a two-point game. A short scoring run sparked by Deshaud St. Martin gave the Spires a comfortable seven-point lead with under five minutes to go in the half. However, the Ottawa offense woke up down the stretch and held a 34-30 lead over Siant Mary heading into the break. 

Back-to-back threes from Jordan Brown and St. Martin put the Spires back into the driver's seat up 45-44. Each team had an offensive answer throughout the second half as the lead changed hands eight times leading up to the final two minutes of regulation. With thirty seconds left, Joey Schultz hit a shot to give Saint Mary a 79-77 lead. Ottawa hit a basket with no time left on the clock, tying the game at 79 and forcing overtime. Free throws from Schultz and St. Martin proved to be the difference maker in the Spire's 93-91 overtime road win.

Up Next

The Spires will be on the road to play Evangel University in the opening round of the KCAC Championship tournament at 7 p.m. on Thursday in Springfield, Missouri.