The Oakland University men's basketball team defeated G.T. Express, 109-93, in the Athletics Center 'O'rena Friday night. OU's Mychal Covington (Pontiac/Northern) led the Golden Grizzly attack with a 10-11 performance from the field on his way to 22 points. The G.T. Express jumped out to an early lead, 22-12, midway through the first half. Oakland used a 11-2 run over the next three minutes with Jon Champagne (Linden/Linden)leading the charge to pull within one, 24-23. The teams exchanged baskets and at the 4:42 mark, OU's Mike Helms (Detroit/Martin Luther King) hit a three-pointer to tie the game, 33-33. The first half ended with Covington being perfect from the field (8-8) and the two teams tied at 43. Oakland started off hot in the second half jumping out to a 51-43 lead. After five minutes of trading baskets, the Golden Grizzlies used a final 10 point run to deliver a knockout punch to the Express, 109-93. Following Covington's game-high 22 points were four Golden Grizzlies in double-figures. Junior Brad Buddenborg (Garden City/Garden City) finished the game with 20 points, six boards and three assists. Freshman Kelly Williams (Detroit/Martin Luther King) added 18 points and four rebounds. Freshman Helms and junior Jason Rozycki (Boyne City/Boyne City HS) round out the double-figure scorers for Oakland. Helms scored 17 points and grabbed six rebounds, while Rozycki poured in 15 points and dished out seven assists. Oakland opens up the regular season against the Univeristy of Michigan on Friday, November 17. The game will start at 7 p.m. and will be played in the Athletics Center O'rena. Box Score