Nov. 15, 2008

Box Score | Quotes

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Despite leading for over 36 minutes and getting a double-double from redshirt sophomore Keith Benson with 15 points and 11 rebounds, the Oakland University men's basketball team (0-1) fell to Cleveland State University (1-0), 58-55, in the season opener on Saturday night in the Wolstein Center. Junior Johnathon Jones launched a 3-pointer as time expired that went in and out of the basket as the Vikings rallied past the Golden Grizzlies.

Joining Benson in double figures for OU was senior Erik Kangas with 11 points. Jones finished 2-for-16 from the floor, 0-for-1 from behind the arc.

In the absence of senior Derick Nelson, the top returning scorer (17.3 ppg) and rebounder (7.4 rpg) for the Grizzlies, freshmen Drew Maynard and Blake Cushingberry saw valuable minutes. Maynard fouled out with nine minutes in the game with the Grizzlies on top by four points, 48-44, ending with seven points and six rebounds. Cushingberry went 0-for-3 from the floor, with three boards and one assist in 33 minutes.

Oakland was held scoreless over the final 1:48 of the game in which the Vikings took advantage outscoring the Golden Grizzlies 7-2 over the final 3:49. Both teams shot under 35 percent from the floor, with OU holding a 47-43 advantage on the glass.

CSU had three players in double figures, with J'Nathan Bullock adding a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds. D'Aundray Brown matched Benson's game-high 15 points on 7-of-9 shooting.

Oakland would knock down its first four shots from the field and took its biggest lead of 12 points (19-7) just seven minutes in to the game, but CSU would continue to battle and trailed by seven at the half. The Vikings kept the game within striking distance throughout the second half and finished strong to walk away with the victory.

The Golden Grizzlies will continue their tough road swing on Monday night in Eugene, Ore. Game time between Oakland and Oregon is set for 10 p.m. ET.

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