WESTERVILLE, Ohio – A rough stretch to begin the fourth quarter hurt Otterbein in a matchup with first place and defending OAC champ Ohio Northern to begin the 2024 calendar on Wednesday night, with the Polar Bears creating separation in the culminating frame to emerge from what was a competitive game for most of the way.

The Cardinals trailed just 43-42 entering the fourth period, but were unable to score over the initial five-plus minutes of the next frame as ONU methodically pulled away. In the end, the visitors walked away with a 67-54 decision to remain unbeaten in the conference.

HOW IT WENT DOWN:

• Otterbein was only behind 15-12 after the first quarter but endured a four-minute drought offensively in the second, which allowed the Polar Bears to expand a one-possession game into a 29-15 margin.
   
• It was then ONU's turn to go cold offensively as the team did not score over seven minutes bridging the halves. Otterbein would go on a 15-3 run during that stretch and finally creep back within a bucket (32-30) midway through the third frame.
   
• Momentum shifts occurred at both ends the rest of the quarter, including Otterbein sophomore Serenity Castle entering the game and catching fire.  Consecutive jumpers from Katie McCrary in the closing 35 seconds helped keep the Cards right there step for step.
   
• A 13-0 run by Ohio Northern to begin the fourth would end up being the final difference maker as Otterbein had six missed shots and four turnovers in the rut.

BOX SCORE NOTABLES:

• Brynn Serbin controlled the game for Ohio Northern behind a stat line of 25 points, seven steals, four rebounds and three assists. The reigning OAC Player of the Year, OAC Defensive Player of the Year and WBCA second team All-American shot 9 of 13 from the field.
   
• Freshman Kyla Irby provided a quality effort off the bench for the Cardinals en route to a season-high 16 points, making all three trifectas in 21 minutes.
   
• McCrary added 11 points and three steals up top at point guard, while Castle rested with career-highs of 10 points and 16 minutes played.
   
• Brooke Allen registered a big double-double of 18 points and 12 rebounds for ONU, coming off an NCAA Sweet 16 appearance. That helped the visitors finish with a 43-32 edge on the glass.

ON THE ROAD AGAIN:

• After three-straight games on campus, the Cardinals will get back on the bus and visit Mount Union this weekend for a tip at 2 p.m.