Physical Matchup Ends in Warrior Loss to Second Best Team in the League

Sterling, Kan. – The Warrior men went to battle with a very physical Ottawa University Braves team. They held their own most of the night. Despite the physical nature of the game, neither team succumbed to the temptation to take it too far while on the court. Sterling never led, but was within four points as the first half was winding down before Ottawa went on a run to close out the first half and went into the locker room with a 53-35 lead.

As Sterling battled in the second half, they found themselves down just ten points on multiple occasions, but couldn't find the answer to the big three from Ottawa. The second half played nearly even with Sterling only being outscored by a point in the final twenty minutes, but the damage had been done just before the close of the first half. Sterling lost to the Braves 88-71.

For Ottawa, three players scored over 20 points and carried the Braves. For Sterling, Jayden Garrison continued his hot streak and has scored 20 or more points in five of his last seven games. Tonight he scored 24 against Ottawa. Right beside him was Mooch Austin adding 17 points, and 3 assists. Julian Smith got his first start of the season and had a team, and career, high 8 rebounds. Worth noting is Jimmy Causey Jr. who came off the bench to score 14 points and grab 6 rebounds.

The Warrior men fall to 9-4 overall this season and are 4-3 in league play. They currently sit in a three-way tie for fifth place in the league. They play an exhibition game against Emporia State University on Tuesday night in Emporia. You can find live stat and live stream links for that game on the Warrior Men's basketball schedule page on scwarriors.com.

Be sure to check for news and updates on Sterling Warrior Athletics on Facebook (/SCWarriors), Twitter (@SterlingCSports), and Instagram (sterlingcsports), as well as the hashtag #SwordsUp. Watch the Warriors' live home events on the Sterling College Sports Network.