OTTAWA, Kan. — Southwestern College hung tough during stretches of Wednesday's conference matchup but ultimately could not overcome Ottawa University's size and shooting, falling 87–53 at Wilson Field House.
The Lady Builders (4–5, 0–4) fought through a slow start after Ottawa (7-1, 3-1) opened the game on an 18–9 run in the first quarter. Southwestern responded with its strongest period in the second, scoring 20 points and finding rhythm behind perimeter shooting and improved ball movement. A pair of threes from Breanna Goad and Martha De La Rosa helped trim the Braves' lead to single digits before Ottawa closed the half ahead 40–29.
Southwestern continued pressing in the third quarter, but Ottawa's rebounding advantage and transition scoring helped the Braves pull away. Ottawa outscored the Builders 21–10 in the third frame and 26–14 in the fourth to seal the result.
Goad led Southwestern with 15 points on 6-of-11 shooting and knocked down three 3-pointers, providing consistent offense throughout the night. Macey Pond added 11 points, four rebounds and three steals, sparking several defensive stops that fueled the second-quarter push. Allyson Frank worked inside for six points and five rebounds, and De La Rosa finished with six points on a pair of threes.
Kennedy Ford added five points and four assists while directing the offense. Off the bench, Aubrey Pond chipped in five points, and Monroe Swope hit a 3-pointer in limited minutes.
Southwestern shot 38.9 percent from the field and 33.3 percent from beyond the arc, connecting on seven threes. The Builders also forced eight steals, showing defensive energy that kept them competitive through much of the first half.
Ottawa shot 49.3 percent from the floor and made 13 three-pointers, led by Molly Martin's 20 points. The Braves held a 46–23 rebounding edge, which helped create extra possessions and widen the margin in the second half.
Southwestern returns home Saturday, Dec. 6, for a 1 p.m. KCAC matchup against Avila University at Stewart Field House as the Lady Builders look to bounce back and secure their first conference victory of the season.
