WICHITA, Kan. - The No. 14 Friends University Falcons defeated the Ottawa University Braves 84-75 in their first KCAC matchup of 2026. Timely shot-making, critical free throws, and key defensive stops in the second half proved decisive in securing the Falcons' eighth win in a row.

Defense set the tone for the Falcons, who recorded nine steals, forced 15 Ottawa turnovers, and turned those turnovers into 11 points. Friends also locked down the perimeter, holding the Braves to just 21.1% shooting from three-point range.

Cahlese Lee led all scorers with 23 points, including two 3-pointers, while also adding six rebounds. Ringo Deng delivered an all-around performance, posting a double-double finishing with 22 points and 11 rebounds, five of which came on the offensive end, while also adding five steals and four assists. Devin Davis finished in double-figures with 11 points.

Eli Benning chipped in six points while totaling five assists and a steal. Collin Maclin added eight points and two steals to the Falcons' defensive effort. Al Emerllahu was active on the boards, collecting nine rebounds, along with five points and a block.

The Falcons struggled from the three-point range shooting just 19.2% from beyond the arc while knocking down five threes. However, timely second-half threes from Emerllahu and Lee proved crucial in the tight win.

Friends relied on their interior attack, shooting 49.2% from the field and scoring 34 points in the paint.

Friends also moved the ball effectively, dishing out 20 assists on 31 made field goals, and went 17-of-23 (73.9%) from the free-throw line to help seal the victory.

With the win, Friends improves to 7-1 in KCAC play and 12-2 overall, extending their win streak to eight games. The Falcons return to action on Wednesday (Jan. 7), for a road matchup against the Sterling College Warriors in Sterling, Kan. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:00 p.m.