Spires Win Final Game of 2022-23 Regular Season

Leavenworth, Kan.- The University of Saint Mary Women's Basketball team played against Ottawa University tonight, resulting in an 84-81 win. The Spires wrapped up the regular season at 18-10 overall and 14-8 in conference play.

After a slow start for Saint Mary, Alanis Delgado tied things up at four after nailing an early three-pointer. The Braves then went on a 6-0, forcing a USM timeout. Delgado and Rebecca Gilpin then helped the Spires come back to take an 11-10 lead. With a minute left to go in the quarter, Gilpin and Tanea Sims hit big shots to take a 19-18 lead. The Braves stormed out of the gate to take the lead in the second quarter, but the Spires continued to fight as Chyanne Aaron, and Alex Specht helped cut the Brave's lead to 43-23 heading into halftime.

Daija Planas hit the early two-pointer to get things started for the Spires in the second half, but Ottawa continued to extend the lead. With under five minutes left in the third, Delgado and Sims hit big shots to spark a Spire run to cut the lead to 55-51 in favor of Ottawa. After Jerrica Johnson tied the game at 55 with her three, The Braves went on another run to take a 67-59 lead heading into the fourth. Back-to-back shots by Planas and Paige Pendley pulled the Spires to within five to start the fourth quarter as Delgado hit another big three to cut the lead to 69-70 in favor of Ottawa. Another run extended Ottawa's lead to 77-71 with under four minutes left in the game. Saint Mary then had a mini-run that featured Specht and Delgado hitting big shots to cut the lead to 79-78. After Sims tied the game at 81, the Spires forced a big defensive stop with 20 seconds left, where free throws propelled USM to the 84-81 win.

Sims led her team with a double-double, scoring 21 points and grabbing ten rebounds, while Delgado added 20 points of her own.

Up Next

The Spires will participate in the KCAC tournament next week in Kansas City, Missouri.