SURPRISE, Ariz. - The Ottawa University Arizona men's basketball team fell on Saturday afternoon to the Benedictine University at Mesa Redhawks by a final of 93-85 at Willow Canyon High School in Surprise.

With the loss Saturday, the Spirit see their overall season record fall to 2-8. With the victory, BenU Mesa improves to 7-5 overall on the year.
 
The first half Saturday featured a few runs for both teams, but after 20 minutes of play OUAZ and BenU Mesa were back to even. At the half, the Spirit and Redhawks were nodded at 43-43. As a team, OUAZ shot 50% (16-for-32) from the floor and 46% (7-of-15) from beyond the three-point arc. BenU Mesa shot 39% (17-for-43) from the field, but did manage to make seven three-pointers in the first half.
 
In the second half, Benedictine University at Mesa was able to slowly pull away from the Spirit; following their struggles from beyond the three-point arc. OUAZ shot 3-for-10 from deep in the second half. They also shot just 41% (15-for-36) from the field. The Redhawks on the other hand, shot 44% (13-for-29) from the field and converted from the charity stripe. BenU Mesa shot 77% (21-for-27) from the line.
 
In the loss, OUAZ had four players score in double figures; with two players finishing with over 20 points. The Spirit were led by Desmond Ross, who finished with 24 points, five rebounds, and five assists. Matthew McClain finished with a double-double of 12 points and 12 rebounds in 26 minutes of action.
 
The Spirit men's basketball team returns to action this Monday and Tuesday, in The Cactus Classic; hosted by the University of Providence at Chandler-Gilbert Community College in Chandler, Arizona. OUAZ will square off against Rocky Mountain College on Monday at 11am, before facing Baker University on Tuesday at 9am.
   
 
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.