OTTAWA, Kan. — The Hesston College men's basketball team battled Ottawa University on Tuesday, Oct. 27, but a high-scoring first half from the Braves proved difficult to overcome as the Larks fell 97-80 at Wilson Field House.
Ottawa established control in the opening half, using an efficient offensive attack and strong rebounding to build a 54-38 advantage at halftime. The Braves' ability to create second-chance opportunities helped fuel their offense, while Hesston worked to keep pace behind Trent Thompson and Brennon Dodge.
The Larks continued attacking after the break, increasing their offensive production to 42 points in the second half. Thompson found success getting to the free-throw line, while Dodge provided scoring from the field. Jarren Cargil also gave Hesston a boost off the bench, helping the Larks generate offense while creating turnovers on the defensive end.
Despite the stronger second-half showing, Ottawa answered with 43 points of its own, preventing Hesston from significantly cutting into the deficit.
Thompson and Dodge led the Larks with 23 points apiece. Thompson added six rebounds, four assists, two steals and two blocks while converting 14 of 16 free throws. Dodge shot 10-of-19 from the field and contributed five rebounds and three assists.
Cargil finished with 15 points, four steals and two assists, going a perfect 6-of-6 from the free-throw line. Daniel Towels added six points and a team-high seven rebounds, while Ky Kougl contributed six points.
Hesston shot 40% from the field and 85.2% from the free-throw line, connecting on 23 of 27 attempts. The Larks also forced 17 Ottawa turnovers while committing just 12 of their own.
Ottawa finished shooting 50% from the field and held a 48-31 rebounding advantage. Seb Khan and Jackson Harding led the Braves with 19 points each, while Aiden Olmestead added 14.
The loss moves Hesston to 1-2 on the season.
The Larks will return to action Friday, Oct. 30, when they travel to McPherson, Kan., to face Central Christian College at 8 p.m. as part of the Central Christian Classic.
