Jan. 7, 2016 
The King.
Let those words resonate. Oakland University coach Greg Kampe isn't talking about his team when uses those words. He is talking about Friday night's opponent ââ'¬" Valparaiso.
He told his team earlier this week that Valpo is The King of the Horizon League. That stung with some players but who can argue that especially after Oakland's stunning 100-98 home loss to Youngstown State on the Blacktop at the O'rena?
Let's quickly go over The Kings' resume.
Valpo (11-3 overall, 1-0 in the Horizon League) has won three league titles and two conference tournaments in four years and has been to the NCAA nine times since 1996, including a Sweet 16 appearance. Last season the Crusaders recorded a school record 28 wins, returned basically all the roster and was picked to win the league by 36 of 43 voters.
The King owns a 19-7 record over Black and Gold, although Oakland has won seven of the last 10.
The King.
"Time will tell if this was a bad loss or just a bump in the road," Kampe told his team. "They (The Crusaders) are the king. They are the king and we can sit here and pretend all we want. If we come to play like we did then it is all b.s. All the texting and all the talk we had was b.s."
The game Friday at the O'rena is a big one. ESPN2 is coming to town to televise it. A white out is planned but if Oakland plays as it did against Youngstown State, then you can expect a blowout.
A point can be made that point guard Kay Felder is one of the kings of basketball. He is not simply viewed as one of the Mid Majors best players, he is one of the best players in college basketball period. He was stung when Kampe called Valpo the king. But he understands.
"I definitely don't want to hear from my coach talking about another team that they are better than us," Felder said. "We lost focus and now we've got to get in the gym, get in that practice room and get refocused."
Any time Oakland plays Valpo it is a big game. However, this game is bigger than most. It is more than a game to keep from falling out of the race. This is a game of soul searching. It is a game of bounce back. The Golden Grizzlies can do one of two things. They can fight or they can fold. This game comes at a perfect time because it will test the character of this team.
BLACK AND GOLD KEYS TO THE GAME
Valpo knows Oakland is a major threat to its crown despite the upset. The Crusaders are coming to town to squash Oakland's regular season title hopes.
There will be some interesting observations for fans.
** What will the energy level be at the beginning of the game? The Golden Grizzlies came out flat against Youngstown, falling behind by double digits against a team with an RPI of 335 at the time. This team spun a complete 180 from the night it excited college basketball by jumping up by double digits against then top-ranked Michigan State.
** Is the bench into the game? You can contribute even in warmups. Starters need that pick me up from the crowd and they need it from their brothers in black and gold. If guys are pouting because they are not in the game, that brings the entire team down.
** Check out the body language of center Percy Gibson. He is a senior and needs to boost his enthusiasm and care level. He can help this team and doesn't realize it. Gibson is not the best center in college basketball but he has the skill set to do damage in this league. He needs to talk more and must be more demanding of teammates and himself.
#WEARtheBEAR
