Spires Escape Ottawa, 82-74

OTTAWA, Kan. – The University of Saint Mary women's basketball team opened their 2020-21 season with a decisive 82-74 win on the road against Ottawa University Wednesday evening.

The Spires are 1-0 overall and 1-0 in the KCAC.

Both teams battled in the first quarter with various lead changes. With 1:03 left in the first quarter, Jerrica Johnson tied the score at 23 before the Spires held a slim 26-25 lead. The Spires would extend their lead to six points in the second quarter after a basket from Bryne'e Scott to give the team a 36-30 lead. Later on in the quarter, Rebecca Gilpin nailed a long range shot and Scott hit a basket to give the team a double-digit advantage at 43-32. Macy Walker would add a basket just before time expired to give the Spires a 45-35 lead heading into the locker room.

Ottawa started to chip away at the lead in the third quarter, but the Spires managed to hold a comfortable lead throughout. With less than a minute left in the frame, Kaitlyn Fisher hit a three-pointer and the Spires would head into the final quarter with a 62-55 lead after a free throw from the Braves. Saint Mary would extend the lead to double-digits three different times in the fourth quarter, despite the Braves making one final push. Saint Mary led 77-69 with less than a minute left and held off a comeback from the Braves before leaving the floor with the win.

Johnson led the game with a miraculous 30 points on 12-of-20 shooting from the floor. Danielle Cassady finished with 15 points and Gilpin had 10. Daspin Bruning added a game-high 12 rebounds.

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The Spires return to the Ryan Sports Center on Monday for a game against Peru State at 7 p.m.