Ottawa University Men’s Basketball Triumphs Over Culver-Stockton
Ottawa University’s men’s basketball team showcased a strong performance, defeating Culver-Stockton College 92–69 at Wilson Field House.
From the start, Ottawa established dominance. They shot an impressive 64.5% in the first half and ended with a 55–29 lead before halftime. After a brief initial lead from Culver-Stockton, Ottawa quickly took control. Micah Willis hit a three-pointer early, sparking a series of successful plays from various team members.
Jackson Esary was a standout, scoring 18 points by halftime. His efforts, along with valuable contributions from Jackson Harding and others, fueled a key 21–9 scoring run, greatly extending their lead. Ottawa capitalized on turnovers and made the most of second-chance opportunities, finishing the half with a 15–2 surge.
The second half began with a reinvigorated Culver-Stockton, narrowing the deficit with scores from Alex Jackson IV and Damont Hanton. However, Ottawa responded well. Harding and Cameron Lawson made important baskets that helped maintain the lead.
Ottawa’s offense continued to shine, as they balanced effective shooting from outside with strong performance in the paint. Harding added two three-pointers, and Elijah Mason and Rich Martelly stepped up with crucial points off the bench, keeping the momentum going and sealing the victory.
By the Numbers
Ottawa’s final shooting stats were impressive: 55.2% from the field and 47.4% from three-point range. They out-rebounded Culver-Stockton 36–24 and dominated the paint, scoring 38 points inside. Harding led with 21 points and eight rebounds, followed closely by Esary with 20 points. Meanwhile, Travis Green III from Culver-Stockton topped all scorers with 25 points.
Looking Ahead
Ottawa, now 8-5, will face Friends University on January 3 at 3:00 p.m. in Wichita, Kansas.
This win showcases the team’s depth and effectiveness, a positive sign as they gear up for the rest of the season. Engaging performances like these could draw fans and boost team spirit as they continue to build on their momentum.
