Men's Basketball Opens Season at Ottawa Classic

The men's basketball team opened up their 2023-24 season with a pair of games at the Ottawa Classic this weekend. The first game was an exhibition game against Ottawa University on Friday night with an official game coming on Saturday against the University of Saint Mary. 

Ottawa jumped out to a 20-4 lead on the Falcons over the first six minutes of the game. Kansas Christian would not go quietly though as they rallied all way back to trail by just three points at halftime. The Falcons continued to remain close in the second half until Ottawa pulled away for a 103-91 victory. 

Malik Martin scored a team high 33 points making all 11 of his free throw attempts and shooting 11 for 16 from the field. Martin also had six rebonds and two asssists. Kaiden Hunter scored 18 points with Isaac Lane adding 15 of his own. Oscar Traylor finished with eight points and eight rebounds. 

On Saturday, the Falcons went back and forth with Saint Mary throughout the first half, but the Spires would pull away in the final three minutes making a two point deficit a seven point difference at halftime. Saint Mary would make the first bucket of the second half and push out to a double digit lead. Kansas Christian did get the deficit down to seven with under six minutes left to play but would draww no closer as they fell 75-60. 

Isaac Lane finished with 14 points to lead the offense. Lane also had seven rebounds. Malik Martin added 10. Damon Werts and Oscar Traylor each had nine points. Traylor had the team high in rebounds with 16. 

This week the men's basketball team plays two more NAIA opponents on Friday and Saturday at the Central Christian College Classic.