Spires Get Back on Track with Dominant Win Over Ottawa, 78-53

LEAVENWORTH, Kan. - The University of Saint Mary women's basketball team delivered a commanding performance defeating Ottawa University 78-53. The victory marked a much-needed rebound for the Spires, who improved to 8-11 overall and 7-6 in KCAC play.

Saint Mary set the tone early with an intense defensive effort, building an 11-point halftime lead and never looking back. The Spires controlled the game on the boards, outrebounding Ottawa 49-25, including 15 offensive rebounds that led to 12 second-chance points.

Alanis Delgado led the offensive charge with 21 points, hitting five of her nine three-point attempts and adding four assists. Addison Schletzbaum was a force in the paint, contributing 13 points and nine rebounds, while Keely Barnard added 12 points off the bench. Mary Olson provided valuable minutes, pulling down eight rebounds and scoring four points.

The Spires were efficient from the free-throw line, converting 14 of 19 attempts (73.7%), and their depth was on full display as the bench chipped in 28 points. 

Saint Mary's largest lead of the night came in the fourth quarter, a 25-point advantage with just over a minute to play, as the team closed out the game with poise and precision.

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With the win, the Spires remain in the thick of the parity-filled KCAC standings and look to continue their momentum on Saturday, January 25th, when they host Bethany College at 3 PM.