MESA, Ariz. --- The Park University Gilbert men's basketball team (8-15, 2-9) lost to the Ottawa University Arizona Spirit (11-10, 4-7) by a score of 78-62, Saturday afternoon at the BENU PEC in Mesa, Ariz.

The Buccaneers dropped their fourth straight Great Southwest Athletic Conference matchup, as they now fall to 3-7 all-time against OUAZ. This was Park-Gilbert's first home loss to the Spirit in its 10 total contests.

Ottawa jumped out to a 26-point lead in the first 20 minutes of play, led by a 16-point outing from forward Carter Gittens. Despite the Bucs shooting a solid 40% from perimeter, they posted a 20% FG percentage.

Park-Gilbert's shooting numbers drastically improved in the second half as they outscored the Spirit 42-32 in that frame. The Buccaneers shot 52% from the field and 50% from three-point land to close out this contest.

For the second straight game, Bucs guard Toate Sika finished the first half with 0 points and ended the game leading the team in scoring. Sika scored 21-points, shooting 6-11 from the field and going a perfect 8-8 from the free throw line. He also logged nine rebounds, one shy of his seventh double-double on the season.

Two other Buccaneer starters logged 10+ points in this matchup. Guard Tanner Pate finished with 11 points, four assists, and three rebounds. Guard Issac Wood finished with 10 points, five assists, and four rebounds. The Buccaneer bench combined for 15 points.

Park-Gilbert returns to the floor this Thursday, Feb. 5 at 7:30 p.m. MST, when they host Arizona Christian University at the Arizona Athletic Grounds in Mesa, Ariz. The defending GSAC champion Firestorm come into this contest ranked No. 7 in the NAIA.