Neither a relentless three-point attack nor a late comeback could put the Haskell Indian Nations University menâÂÂs basketball team over the top.

Ottawa University, sparked by a 16-0 run midway through the second half, fought off the pesky Fightinâ Indians and held on for a 77-67 victory Friday at Haskell.

âÂÂThis was a game we couldâÂÂve won at home,â HINU assistant coach Jamie Morrison said. âÂÂThey were struggling like we were struggling coming in. We didnâÂÂt make shots, and we didnâÂÂt make plays in the second half that we needed to make.âÂÂ

Haskell relied heavily on its three-point shooting all night, but hit just 28 percent (11 of 40) overall. HINUâÂÂs top two threats from outside – Justin Falleaf and Danny Polk – combined to connect on just nine of 28 threes.

âÂÂThat is our strength,â Morrison said. âÂÂWe have four or five guys that can shoot the three. We made a lot tonight, but we took a lot, too.âÂÂ

Haskell started the game on a 14-5 run, sparked by six points from Michael King. Ottawa, though, fought back, took a 23-21 lead, and never trailed again.

Not that Haskell didnâÂÂt keep things interesting. After OttawaâÂÂs big burst midway through the second half put them up 62-42, the Indians slowly chiseled away at the lead,. Behind long-range shooting from Polk and Andy Deal, HINU sliced the deficit to 71-62.

âÂÂWe made a nice run at the end,â Morrison said, âÂÂbut to really get back in it, we needed a lot of things to happen.âÂÂ

Haskell was forced to foul, and Ottawa came through from the free-throw stripe. Bravesâ guard PJ Siggal knocked down four straight free throws, extending OttawaâÂÂs lead to 13, and delivering the knockout blow.

âÂÂItâÂÂs always disappointing to lose, but the guys showed some character down the stretch by making that run and not hanging their heads. It got pretty exciting there for a minute.âÂÂ

Polk led the Indiansâ scoring with 15 points, while Falleaf added 12 on four three-pointers. Bret Lickteig had 23 points to pace Ottawa.

Haskell wonâÂÂt have any time to rest, as travel to Central Methodist for a game at 7:30 tonight.

âÂÂTheyâÂÂre a ranked team, itâÂÂs going to be in their place, back-to-back nights, a long trip,â Morrison said. âÂÂItâÂÂs not going to be easy. We have to come out and play with some intensity and desire.âÂÂ