The Park University Gilbert women's basketball team got back on the winning track, beating Ottawa University Arizona 63-53 at Faith Arena in Surprise, Ariz. this evening.  With the win, the Buccaneers sweep the season series with the Spirit, having beaten them in the season opener. The win also snaps the Bucs two-game losing streak.

"We did what we needed to tonight to get the win," said Bucs head coach Jeff Fore. "We still have to take care of the basketball better and make some shots, but we are still trying to find a rhythm as we still have not had everyone available to play."

The Buccaneers (9-7, 0-1) beat the Spirit by 40 in their last meeting, but OUAZ kept the Bucs scoring in check in this contest. Park Gilbert only shot 33 percent from the floor for the contest, but hit on 35 percent (6-17) of its threes.  OUAZ (5-14, 2-9) was even worse, shooting 30 percent from the floor and 22 percent from beyond the arc.

The Bucs forced 29 Spirit turnovers which led to 31 points for the visitors.  Ottawa only managed 16 points off of 23 Bucs miscues. 

The Spirit held an early 8-5 lead in the first quarter before a 6-0 run put the Buccaneers in front for good.  Park Gilbert would increase the lead to as big as 15 points in the fourth quarter, but would never relinquish their advantage for the remainder of the contest. 

Senior point guard Destinee Vigil in only her second game back in two and a half months seemed to find a little better rhythm, coming up just short on a double-double with 10 points and eight rebounds.  Macy Markus continues to impress, scoring 16 points, Allison Hadaway came off the bench to score eight points and pull down six rebounds.  Madison Chappell also had a solid night off the bench leading the team in assists with three and steals with six as she continues to be a stalwart on the defensive end of the floor.

This was the Bucs last non-conference game of the season.  They return home to continue Cal Pac Conference play was they take on Simpson and UC Merced this weekend on Friday January 28 and Sunday January 30 respectively.