No last-second magic for the Baker University men’s basketball team has occured in its three-game losing streak.

The Wildcats lost 73-70 Saturday against rival Ottawa University in Collins Center and 67-60 in a rematch against Kansas Wesleyan University Tuesday in Salina.

Baker led by as many as 13 points in the first half against OU, but the Braves cut BU’s lead to three by halftime.

BU was able to hold on to the lead for most of the second half, but lost the lead for good with 3:39 left in the game.

Ottawa converted a four-point play by getting fouled in the process of hitting a 3-point shot and then making a free throw.

“We had too many turnovers,” head coach Brett Ballard said. “They made some big plays down the stretch, and we just couldn’t make the big play when we needed to. We did have a sizeable lead, and I thought we could maybe put them away in the first half, but give them a lot of credit.”

The Wildcats were without sophomore Sam Kenney, who sprained his right ankle just a few days after his game-winning shot against Kansas Wesleyan University on Nov. 4.

“Sam, I know he sprained his ankle pretty good,” senior Jaris Wommack said. “I know he is going to be out for at least two or three more weeks, but (junior) Curvonte (McGown) played really good (Saturday) and he was really aggressive. He got our other guys open shots.”

Wommack was the leading scorer for the Wildcats with 23 points and senior Andre Strozier also added 20 points in the loss.

“Those two played well offensively,” Ballard said. “Jaris played well and Andre got a lot of (rebounds), but still especially with Andre, I think he can score more. He missed some shots inside, so I think he can score more than he already is.”

Strozier continued to impress against Kansas Wesleyan Tuesday with 24 points and 13 rebounds, but the Wildcats could not stop Coyotes guard Matt Dickman, who scored a game-high 26 points.

The ‘Cats will play in the University of St. Mary Classic in Leavenworth, where they will play the University of St. Mary at 7 p.m. Friday and Ottawa at 1 p.m. Saturday.

The Wildcats will be looking for revenge in the rematch against Ottawa.

“Our guys are riled up,” McGown said. “We are ready. We’re excited. Unfortunately we didn’t win this time, but you know, we should get it next time.”