Haskell comes up short against Ottawa

Haskell’s D.J. Fish (42) shoots to pull the Fightin’ Indians within a point, but HINU fell to Ottawa, 64-63, Wednesday at Coffin Complex.

For Haskell Indian Nations University sophomore guard Sam Edwards, the difference between elation and dejection was less than six seconds of game clock.

Edwards forced a turnover with 8.3 seconds left and then missed a layup with 2.5 seconds remaining Wednesday night at Coffin Sports Complex, where Haskell remained winless for the season, losing to Ottawa University, 64-63.

“I was going to look inside (to D.J. Fish), but I saw a drive, and I just couldn’t convert,” Edwards said. “I should have used the backboard. I didn’t use the backboard, and it just rolled off the rim.”

Fish led Haskell (0-5) with 14 points, 11 rebounds, four assists and also had a team-high six turnovers. Haskell’s 6-foot-10 Terrance Little Thunder watched from the stands, ruled ineligible by the NAIA. Little Thunder played two games last season and sat out the rest of the year because of a knee injury.

“They granted him a medical hardship, which gives him a fifth season,” third-year Haskell coach Ted Juneau said. “What they did not grant was a sixth year because he had red-shirted. We’re appealing that. We’ll see what happens.”

Little Thunder’s size could have come in handy. Junior power forward Chris Tate (18 points, nine rebounds), listed at 6-9, and 6-10 junior center Jake Carter (12 points, seven rebounds, three assists) did most of the damage for the visitors. Former Free State High guard Kyle Schreiner, a junior, contributed seven points, two assists and four steals for the Braves (1-3).