PHOENIX, Ariz. - The Ottawa University Arizona men's basketball team fell on Saturday evening at Arizona Christian University by a final of 97-86 in Phoenix.
 
Following the loss Saturday, the Spirit see their overall season record fall to 2-7. With the victory, Arizona Christian improves to 7-1 overall on the year.
 
It was a tight first half on Saturday evening, when the Spirit and Firestorm squared off for the second time this season; this time in Phoenix. ACU scored the first points of the game and held the edge for most of the first half. After 20 minutes of action, ACU held a slim 46-41 lead. OUAZ shot 17-of-34 from the field in the first half and shot 5-of-10 from beyond the three-point arc. The Spirit got in early foul trouble and turned the ball over eight times in the first half. ACU shot 17-for-35 from the field and 6-for-15 from beyond the three-point arc.
 
In the second half, the Firestorm and Spirit played another tight 20 minutes. The difference maker in the final half was free-throws. OUAZ shot 8-of-10 from the line, while ACU finished the second half 15-of-16 from the charity stripe. The Firestorm out-rebounded the Spirit 19-14 in the half and outscored OUAZ 51-45; on their way to the 97-86 victory.
 
In the loss, OUAZ was led by Matthew McClain's 22 points on 10-of-16 shooting. He also finished with 14 rebounds and five assists in the game. Tanner Riley and Cade Hinkle both finished with 15 points apiece, and Desmond Ross chimed in with 14 points and eight rebounds.
 
The Spirit men's basketball team returns home on Saturday December 16^th, to host their other cross-town rival; Benedictine University at Mesa. Tip-off is scheduled for 2pm at Willow Canyon High School in Surprise.
   
 
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.