SPIRIT CLAIM SEASON OPENING WIN 71-62
SURPRISE, Ariz. - The Ottawa University Arizona women's basketball team defeated the Bethesda University of California Flames on Tuesday evening by a final of 71-62 inside of the Paradise Honors High School Gym. The win not only came in their first game of the season; but it was also the first game in program history.
With the victory the Spirit open their first season in program history at 1-0 overall. With the loss, the Flames from Bethesda University of California open the season at 0-1.
Both teams began a little shaky on Tuesday evening. Bethesda shot 3-for-21 from the field in the first quarter, while OUAZ opened the game shooting 4-for-15 from the field. Each team rebounded well in the first ten minutes of action, but they also both had their fair share of turnovers. The Spirit held a slim 13-8 lead over the Flames headed into the second quarter.
OUAZ's best quarter of play on Tuesday came in the second quarter. They owned the Flames in every facet of the game. The Spirit outscored Bethesda University 22-12, they outrebounded the Flames 17-8, and they made 8-of-10 free-throws; while Bethesda went 0-for-4. At halftime, OUAZ led Bethesda 35-20.
Bethesda came out strong in the third quarter, outscoring the Spirit 20-13. The Flames shot a better percentage from the field and were able to knock down their free-throws. But after a rough third quarter, OUAZ responded with a strong final ten minutes to close out the Flames and claim the 71-62 win.
In the victory, three Spirit players finished in double-figure scoring with Bailey Osmer (FR/Tucson, AZ)'s 19 points leading the way. Alexis Smith (JR/Phoenix, AZ) chimed in with 18 points and finished with a team high 14 rebounds. As a team, OUAZ outrebounded Bethesda 57-38. The Spirit also attempted 36 total free-throws, to just 14 for the Flames.
Next up for the Spirit, will be a quick roadtrip up north to Prescott for a match-up against Embry-Riddle (AZ) University on Monday October 30th. Tip time is scheduled for 6pm.
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About Ottawa University
Founded in 1865, Ottawa University prepares professional and liberal arts graduates for lifetimes of personal significance, vocational fulfillment and service to God and humanity within a Christ-inspired community of grace and open inquiry. Ottawa University is a comprehensive, not-for-profit educational institution serving 3,000 students through its residential campuses in Ottawa, Kan., and Surprise, Ariz., and adult campuses in Overland Park, Kan.; Phoenix, Queen Creek and Surprise, Ariz.; Brookfield, Wis.; Jeffersonville, Ind.; as well as online. For more information, visit www.ottawa.edu.
For more information about OUAZ athletics, visit http://www.ottawa.edu/ouaz/athletics. Follow OUAZ athletics on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/OUAZSpiritAthletics/ and on Twitter twitter.com/OUAZSpirit.
