VALLEJO, Calif. - The Ottawa University Arizona men's basketball team closed out the 2017 portion of their schedule with an 80-78 road victory at California State University - Maritime in Vallejo, California.

With the victory, the Spirit improve to 4-11 overall on the season. With the loss, the Cal Maritime Keelhaulers fall to 9-6 overall on the year.
                                                                                                     
Sunday's matinee between the Spirit and Keelhaulers was a tight contest throughout. It marked the third game in as many days for OUAZ, but the team responded well. At halftime, the Spirit trailed Cal Maritime 42-41 while shooting 50% from the field. OUAZ's defense, held the Keelhaulers to 41% shooting from the field, 33% from beyond the three-point arc, and only 57% from the free-throw line.
 
In the second half, the Spirit made their comeback. OUAZ outscored Cal Maritime 39-36 and shot 44% from the field. OUAZ also shot an impressive 90% (9-of-10) from the free-throw line. The Keelhaulers shot only 44% from the field, 45% from range and 60% from the charity stripe in the second half.
 
In the win, OUAZ had four players score in double-figures. Matthew McClain led the way for the Spirit with yet another double-double; this time of 35 points and a team high 16 rebounds.
 
The Spirit men's basketball team returns to action in 2018 on Wednesday January 3^rd, when OUAZ travels to Santee, California to face San Diego Christian College. Tip time is set for 8:30pm 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.