Story Links

Box Score NORTH NEWTON, Kan. – The Ottawa University men’s basketball team fell 87-60 to Bethel College on Saturday evening in Thresher Gymnasium.

Ottawa came out aggressive and confident, building an early double-digit lead and controlling much of the first 12 minutes.

Jackson Harding drilled a pair of early threes, Elijah Mason was active on the glass, and the Braves stretched the margin to 20-9 midway through the half. Ottawa’s defensive energy and perimeter shooting were key in building an 11-point lead — their largest of the night.

Bethel responded late in the half with second-chance points and a strong push inside to close the gap. The Threshers used offensive rebounds to flip momentum and carried a 31-26 lead into the break.

First Half Notes


Ottawa shot 48.9% (23-47) from the field in the half
Braves hit 9-of-21 (42.9%) from three
Ottawa led by as many as 11 points
Jackson Harding: 21 points at the half, 4 made 3FG
Elijah Mason: 7 rebounds, active defensively
Ottawa forced early tempo but committed turnovers that led to BC second-chance points
Bethel grabbed 20 offensive rebounds, shifting late momentum

Second Half
The opening minutes of the second half proved decisive. Bethel capitalized on Ottawa miscues and turned steals into transition baskets.

Ottawa continued to get paint production from Harding and timely shooting from Jackson Esary, but extended scoring runs from Bethel created separation. The Threshers pushed the lead to double digits quickly and eventually outscored Ottawa 56-34 in the second half.

Second Half Notes


Ottawa finished shooting 48.9% overall
Braves shot 71.4% (5-7) from the free throw line
Ottawa recorded 36 total rebounds (32 defensive)
Jackson Harding led with 21 points
Jackson Esary added 12 points, 3-of-4 from three
Ottawa held Bethel to 42.4% shooting despite the score gap
Turnovers (34 total) allowed Bethel to create extended scoring runs

By the Numbers


Largest Lead (OU): 11 (1st Half)
Rebounds: OU 36 | BC 44
3PT Shooting: OU 42.9% | BC 33.3%
Bench Points: OU 16

Who is Next
Ottawa (10-16, 6-14) returns to the court on Wednesday, February 18 in Leavenworth, Kan. against the University of Saint Mary. Game time is set for 8:00 p.m.