Nov. 27, 2013

Box Score | Notes | Photo Gallery | Postgame Press Conference

ROCHESTER, Mich. - Olivia Nash finished with a team-best 17 points and 13 rebounds, while Bethany Watterworth added 14 points as the Oakland women's basketball team (1-5) used a strong first half to earn its first win of the season over Niagara (1-4), 71-57, Wednesday night in the Athletics Center O'rena.

"It's exciting to have the first win of the season the team has worked so hard and deserves it more than any other team I've been around," said head coach Jeff Tungate. "To watch how hard they play and how hard they practice, this is long over due and something I'm really proud of and happy of their performance tonight."

Nash finished with her fourth double-double of the season and Watterworth went 6-of-8 from the floor for her season-high point total. Elena Popkey added 13 points with 3 triples, while Nola Anderson and Amy Carlton added eight points each.

The Golden Grizzlies sprinted out of the gates as they went on a 12-2 run to start the game and never trailed during the contest. OU forced 11 Niagara turnovers in the opening half and held a 18-8 scoring advantage in the paint to take a 38-26 lead going into the second half.

OU built up the lead in the second half, leading by as many as 21 points as Carlton hit a 3-pointer to make the score 53-32 early in the closing half. Oakland ended the game with season-bests in assists (19) and steals (13). The Grizzlies finished with a 22-14 advantage in bench points and added 19 points off of turnovers

Niagara's Meghan McGuinness led the Purple Eagles with 15 points and Victoria Rampado added 14 points.

Oakland will be in action on Saturday as they travel to Philadelphia, Pa. to take on Temple starting at 2 p.m.

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