Hutch Today

Hot Shooting Propels Bulldogs to Thrilling Win Over Ottawa

The McPherson College Bulldogs stormed back from a nine-point deficit with just over two minutes to play to knock off the Ottawa University Braves 106-98 in overtime Monday night (Jan. 23) inside the Sports Center. The win marks the Bulldog's first victory over Ottawa in McPherson since 2015.

"Wow! What a game," head coach TJ Eskildsen said. "We were shorthanded once again, and our guys just kept fighting. They never lost belief and then in overtime just made plays."

Things looked grim for the Bulldogs when Ian Moore knocked down a pair of free throws to give the Braves an 88-79 lead with 2:22 to play. But back-to-back layups by Curtis Rose sparked the comeback.

Luis Rodriguez blew the roof off with a massive three-pointer to trim the lead to just two with 51 seconds remaining. 

"Luis Rodriguez made huge senior plays all night and took advantage of his opportunity," Eskildsen said. "I'm so happy for him." 

Following a much-needed defensive stop, Owen Braxmeyer sent the game into extra time with a layup in the waning seconds.

The Braves grabbed a quick two-point edge in overtime, but from there it was all Bulldogs, thanks to back-to-back triples by Jamil Hardaway and Yaniel Vidal. Vidal and Rose iced the game away with free throws down the stretch.

"We talk about toughness a lot and that's exactly what our guys were tonight. Toughness wins."

Five Bulldogs (11-10, 6-9 KCAC) scored in double figures, led by Vidal with 26 points. Hardaway and Rose each added 22 points, with Rose dishing a team-high seven assists. Braxmeyer finished with 17 points and 12 rebounds to notch his third double-double of the season. Rodriguez rounded out the scoring with eleven points.

The Bulldogs shot 50 percent (16-for-32) from beyond the arc and assisted on 20 of their 37 field goals. 

McPherson hits the road Thursday (Jan. 26) as they travel to the University of Saint Mary. Tipoff is slated for 8 p.m.

Original source can be found here.