Jan. 4, 2010

Box Score | Quotes | Notes

ROCHESTER, Mich. - Senior Melissa Jeltema scored a game-high 22 points, including a career-high three 3-pointers, paving the way for the Golden Grizzlies as the Oakland University women's basketball team (5-9, 2-1 Summit League) defeated Western Illinois University (4-11, 0-4 Summit League) 64-44 Monday evening at the Athletics Center O'Rena.

"I think it was a really good weekend for our basketball team," said head coach Beckie Francis. "Coming out with two wins over 20 points, I'm really pleased with the preparation and we are ready to get back to work."

The game see-sawed between the two teams in the first seven minutes, with three ties and neither team leading by more than two points. But the Golden Grizzlies took control and went on a 13-0 run with just under 12 minutes to go and led by as many as 18 points, a margin they would take with them into the locker room with a 40-22 halftime lead.

Jeltema also scored 16 points in the opening 20 minutes. The second half proceeded to be all Oakland, as OU began on a 8-0 run, and extended their lead to as many as 26 points with 14:51 to go before ending the game with a 64-44 final decision.

Sophomore Sharise Calhoun, senior Hanna Reising and freshman Bethany Watterworth each registered eight points for OU, with Watterworth adding an additional four rebounds and one block. The Fighting Leathernecks were led by Jordan O'Brien with 17 points.

Oakland out-rebounded WIU 35-29, including a 25-17 advantage on the defensive glass, and committed fewer turnovers with 13 compared to WIU's 18, which OU also scored 20 points off of. The Black and Gold also proved to be a force on the inside, scoring 28 points in the paint. Oakland shot 46 percent from the floor while Western Illinois converted 25 percent of their field goals.

The Golden Grizzlies will next hit the road for a pair of Summit League contests, starting with Centenary on Saturday, Jan. 9 at 6 p.m. EST, followed by Oral Roberts on Monday, Jan. 11, starting at 8:05 p.m. EST. Both games can be followed via All Access at www.ougrizzlies.com.

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