ROCKLIN, Calif. - The Ottawa University Arizona men's basketball team fell on Friday afternoon to La Sierra University by a final score of 89-78; on day two of the William Jessup New Year's Classic in Rocklin, California.

With the loss, the Spirit fall to 3-10 on the season. With the victory, the La Sierra University improves to 3-11 overall on the year.
                                                                                                     
OUAZ got off to a slow start in their first action in little over a week against La Sierra University. The Spirit managed to shoot just 35% (10-for-28) from the floor and finished the first half 2-for-14 from beyond the three-point arc. The Eagles on the otherhand, shot 50% from the floor and took a 44-32 lead into halftime.
 
In the second half, the Spirit came out primed and ready. OUAZ shot 44% from the field and made four 3-pointers; while holding the Eagles to 0-for-4 from range. The Spirit improved from the charity stripe as well; finishing the second half shooting 90% (20-for-22) from the free-throw line. La Sierra was held to 44% shooting in the second half and were outscored by the Spirit 46-45. The Eagles did however hold on to defeat the Spirit by a final of 89-78.
 
In the losing effort, OUAZ had four players score in double-figures. Tanner Riley led the Spirit with 22 points, while Matthew McClain finished with a double-double of 17 points and a season high 24 rebounds in 38 minutes of action. He also finished with four assists and a team high three blocked shots.
 
The Spirit men's basketball team returns to action tomorrow December 30^th for the final day of the William Jessup New Year's Classic. The Spirit will face the hosts' of the Classic; William Jessup University at 2pm MST.
   
 
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.