CHANDLER, Ariz. – The University of Providence men's basketball program fell 83-82 to Ottawa University Arizona in the Cactus Classic finale Tuesday afternoon.
 
The Argos (6-6) scored the first points of the game when junior Drayton Caoile found senior Jake Olsen on the fastbreak for a layup.
 
The Spirit (9-3) would respond with a 6-0 run but a jumper by senior Sam Vining tied the game at eight.

There would be five lead changes over the next six minutes until a pair of jumpers by the Spirit gave Ottawa University a five-point lead.

The Argos would battle back with a layup by junior Kenny Curtis and free throws by Olsen, but OUAZ ended the half on a 16-8 run to go into the break leading by 12.

The Spirit would extend their lead to 15 to start the second half, but layups by senior Freddy Brown III, Curtis, and Olsen cut the lead to seven with 13 minutes remaining.

Despite a three-pointer by OUAZ, Brown III would hit another layup and a three-pointer to bring the game within four.

Argos would continue their momentum with free throws from Olsen and a layup from Curtis to tie the game at 66 with nine minutes left.

Over the next three minutes the Spirit would retake a seven-point lead, but a pair of baskets by Vining shortened Ottawa's lead to two.

Following a free throw by Olsen to make it a one-point game, the Argos had a chance at the game winner but were unable to find the go-ahead basket as they fell to Ottawa University Arizona 83-82.  

The Argos will be back in action Dec. 28 for the RMC Green & Gold Hampton Inn Classic. UP will face Dickinson State University on Dec. 28 and will face Southern Alberta Institute of Technology in an exhibition on Dec. 29. Tip off at the Fortin Education Center is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. for both matchups.