Hawks host Ottawa Braves in a noon tipoff

Adam Fatkin ranks fourth in the GLVC in field goal shooting.

The Rockhurst Hawks (4-3) host the Ottawa Braves (7-6) of the NAIA's Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference in a noon tipoff today. Ottawa won their last meeting, 93-90, at Rockhurst on Dec. 13, 2011.

"It will be nice to get back on the court in game action," said Rockhurst coach Drew Diener. "With finals week behind us, we can again focus on hoops. Ottawa is healthy and has a nice season going. They can score and will compete. Stopping their transition offense will be crucial."

Junior guard Malachi Nix leads the Hawks in scoring (15.7), assists (5.0) and steals (1.7). Nix ranks 10th in scoring, tied for first in assists and ninth in steals in the GLVC. Freshman guard Austin LeVan ranks 11th in scoring (15.6), third in 3-point field goals made (3.0) and fourth in free throw percentage (90.9) in the GLVC. Junior forward Adam Fatkin ranks fourth in field goal percentage (62.2) in the GLVC.

Rockhurst suffered a 77-67 loss at Quincy on Dec. 5. Quincy held Rockhurst to 32.0 percent shooting and scored 13 points off nine turnovers in the first half to take a 40-31 halftime lead. Quincy scored another 13 points off eight turnovers in the second half. LeVan led the Hawks with 26 points on seven-of-16 shooting, including connecting on six 3-pointers. Nix posted 12 points and five assists. Fatkin collected eight points and five rebounds. John Burke added eight points and seven rebounds. Rockhurst shot 36.4 percent from the field (20 of 55) and 68.0 percent from the foul line (17 of 25). Quincy outrebounded Rockhurst, 41-32.

The Braves are coming off an 87-84 exhibition loss at William Jewell Tuesday night. Senior guard Marshon Norfleet led the Braves with 16 points and four assists. Norfleet leads the team with an 18.3 scoring average. Senor forward Preston Oakes is averaging 16.0 points and 7.0 rebounds per game. Aaron Siebenthall is in his first year as the head coach of the Braves after serving nine years as an assistant coach at Ottawa.

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Players Mentioned

#1 John Burke: G; 6' 2"; Senior

#42 Adam Fatkin: F; 6' 5"; Junior; Mark and Debbie Fatkin

#2 Malachi Nix: G; 5' 8"; Junior

#14 Austin LeVan: G; 6' 3"; Freshman

Players Mentioned

#1 John Burke
: 6' 2"; Senior
: G

#42 Adam Fatkin
: 6' 5"; Junior; Mark and Debbie Fatkin
: F

#2 Malachi Nix
: 5' 8"; Junior
: G

#14 Austin LeVan
: 6' 3"; Freshman
: G