CLEVELAND --  Jaevin Cumberland scored 27 points and matched a career high eight field goals made while grabbing seven rebounds as the Oakland men's basketball team defeated Cleveland State 89-77 in its Horizon League opener on Friday.

Tray Maddox Jr. scored a career high 17 points, 11 of which came in the second half, and added five rebounds and three assists.

James Beck scored seven points including hitting his first career three-pointer, plus pulled down 10 rebounds, matching his career high. The sophomore also had two blocks.

Xavier Hill-Mais recorded 21 points and tied a career high with nine rebounds, while Brad Brechting scored 10 points on 5 of 6 shooting, plus grabbed six rebounds and recorded two blocks.

Oakland started the game shooting 8 of 11 from the floor to establish an early lead. Cumberland notched 19 points in the first 20 minutes of play as the Golden Grizzlies went into halftime with a 40-37 advantage.

The second half remained close until Oakland went on a 12-2 run with 6:18 remaining in the game and found itself with an 83-66 lead at the 3:37 mark to seal the win.

The Golden Grizzlies won the rebound battle 42-31 as the 42 rebounds marks a season high. Oakland also recorded a season high 13 offensive rebounds.

Oakland (5-9, 1-0 HL) has won seven of its last nine matchups against the Vikings including four straight games inside the Wolstein Center.

After dropping its first-ever Horizon League opener in 2014 during its inaugural season in the conference, Oakland has won five consecutive league opening contests and moves to 5-1 in Horizon League openers.

The Golden Grizzlies will continue league play at Youngstown State Sunday, Dec. 30 at 2 p.m. inside the Beeghly Center.



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