WINFIELD, Kan. — It took 50 grueling minutes, but the Ottawa University Braves emerged victorious in a double-overtime classic, defeating the Southwestern College Lady Builders 84-78. The double overtime thriller put Ottawa at (5-4, 2-2) on the season, and drops Southwestern to (1-5, 1-3). 

The game featured hot shooting from both teams. Southwestern came out firing first, taking control early and building a 20-16 lead after one quarter. Senior guard Christy Wiebe was dominant the whole game but set the tone early, scoring 12 first-quarter points, including two three-pointers, as the Lady Builders surged to a seven-point 34-27 lead into the break. The builders chemistry in the first half looked impeccable; the displays of ball movement to go along with their hot shooting kept Ottawa on its heels defensively in the first half.

To start the second half, the Builders continued their pace, taking a massive 15-point 57-42 lead. It seemed that the builders were going to break the door open and run away with this game. However, a Zone Press seemed to stifle the builders around the 4 minute mark in the third quarter. Stunting the builders ball movement and forcing them to be more stagnant on the offensive end. The braves came up with scores themselves as they clawed and shot their way back into this ball game. The braves cut into the lead fast, and by early 4th quarter, they took the lead. But the Builders would even the score and forced extra play. 

In the first overtime, the builders found their stride again. Taking a commanding two-possession lead midway through extra play. The Builders found themselves with a 77-72 lead with only 24 seconds remaining, with possession. However, an Ottawa switch to a zone press shook the builders to pieces. Two very quick turnovers followed by two quick fouls, one of them being on a three-point shot, led to another overtime period.

In the second overtime, it was neck and neck again. Until the Braves knocked down a three-point shot in the corner to take the lid off the basket for both teams. The builders ran out of fuel, and could not come up with a single field goal in the second overtime, and fell just shy in this conference match-up. Senior Chrsity Wiebe, was undeniably the main enforcer of this game, finishing with a monster double double of 26 points and 11 rebounds, this game was a huge milestone of her career, as she surpassed the 1,000 career point mark in exciting fashion.  The builders as a team shot an impressive 10-23 from three-point range, as well as 26-71 from the field. The braves cemented a more all-around attack, putting four players in double digits. 

Standout Performers

Ottawa University:

• Nora Ford: 16 points, 14 rebounds, 5 assists
• Dominique Schutte: 16 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists
• Tiyanni Rollins: 14 points, 5 rebounds, 4 steals

Southwestern College:

• Christy Wiebe: Game-high 26 points, 11 rebounds, 4 steals
• Macey Pond: 12 points, 6 assists, 4 rebounds
• Haven Matthews: 12 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists