Jan. 2, 2010
Box Score | Quotes | Notes | Photo Gallery 
ROCHESTER, Mich. - Senior Derick Nelson scored a season-high 24 points and had eight rebounds, while junior Keith Benson tallied 23 points and 13 rebounds for his league-leading ninth double-double, to lead Oakland University (9-7, 3-0) past IUPUI (10-6, 3-1), 85-82, in Summit League men's basketball action on Saturday inside the Athletics Center O'Rena. The Golden Grizzlies had a season-high 21 assists on 31 baskets and held a 41-27 advantage on the glass.
"(Heck) of a basketball game, I'm sure it was great for the fans not so much for the coaches," said OU coach Greg Kampe. "They're a good basketball team and I was really pleased with our defense. A lot of different players stepped up and made key plays."
Freshman Ledrick Eackles tallied a career-high 13 points and senior Johnathon Jones recorded a double-double with 12 points and 11 assists.
All five starters for the Jaguars reached double figures, led by Robert Glenn with 21. Leroy Nobles and Alex Young reached 16 and 15 points, respectively. John Ashworth and Billy Pettiford each posted 13 points for IUPUI.
The Golden Grizzlies seemed to have control of the game midway through the second half with a 13-point advantage, 66-53. But the Jaguars used a full-court press and forced a few turnovers, outscoring the Grizzlies 13-6 to get within five points, 74-69, with 3:19 left in the game.
Once again Oakland looked in command up nine points, 81-72, with only 1:45 on the game clock, but the Jaguars continued to fight and a layup and 3-pointer by Young brought IUPUI within two points, 81-79, with just over one minute left. Eackles then was fouled and converted 1 of 2 free throws to push the lead back to three points. IUPUI was unable to score and fouled Nelson, a 50 percent free throw shooter on the season. He made both free throws to advance the lead back to five points, 84-79, with 18 seconds left.
Ashworth made a big 3-pointer to bring the game back to one possession, 84-82 (:12). Nelson was the person IUPUI would foul and he missed the first, but made the second as the lead was once again three. IUPUI called on Ashworth again, this time from NBA range, but his shot hit the front of the rim and OU corralled the rebound to hold on for the victory.
OU held a slim four-point lead at the half, 44-40, and improves to 9-0 this season when leading at intermission. The Golden Grizzlies have now won 20 of their last 21 games inside the O'Rena and 12 straight league games.
Oakland will hit the road for two games at Oral Roberts (Jan. 7) and Centenary College (Jan. 9). The game at ORU will be televised on Fox College Sports and available on ESPN Full Court. It will also air on OU's flagship station WDFN-AM (1130) and on ESPN360.com.
-30-
