Haskell comes up short against Ottawa
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).