Oakland Grabs Victory Over South Dakota, 59-46

Feb. 14, 2013

ROCHESTER, Mich. -- Double-double performances by Olivia Nash and Sinclair Russell led Oakland (9-15, 3-9) to a 59-46 victory over South Dakota (12-13, 7-5) at the Athletics Center O'rena on Thursday. The Golden Grizzlies outrebounded The Summit League's top rebounding team 54-36.

"The practice effort is what won us the game," said Oakland head coach Beckie Francis. "We put some serious effort into our practices this week. Our players were super-competitive and went after each other in practice and that's why we looked good tonight."

Nash had a career-high 18 points and grabbed 15 rebounds to record her seventh double-double of the season. Russell had 12 points and 10 rebounds, both career-highs. Making the first start of her career, Russell also dished out a career-high six assists. Elena Popkey added 10 points to round out a trio of OU freshmen players in double-figures.

The Golden Grizzlies trailed at halftime, but grabbed a four-point lead early in the second half. After USD cut the margin to 37-36, Nash knocked down a 3-pointer at the other end that kept Oakland in front for good. OU outscored South Dakota 22-11 over the final 7:57 of the game.

Tempestt Wilson topped USD with 16 points. She scored 14 points in the first half, as USD led 22-20 at the intermission. Wilson was the only Coyotes player in double-digits, as OU held the visitors to just 29 percent shooting from the field.

Victoria Lipscomb finished with six points, eight rebounds, three steals and two blocks, helping Oakland set a season-high for rebounds. Elizabeth Hamlet scored seven points and hit a key 3-pointer. Oakland shot 34.4 percent from the field.

The win was the first for OU over South Dakota and snapped a five-game losing streak for the Golden Grizzlies.

Oakland is back in action on Saturday, hosting Kansas City at the O'rena at 2 p.m.

#FightOakland

Print Friendly Version