GAME 14: OAKLAND TO BATTLE DETROIT MERCY IN HORIZON LEAGUE OPENER

Oakland eyes a program-best sixth straight victory over Detroit Mercy to league play on Saturday, December 28, at the O’rena.

GAMEDAY INFORMATION
Detroit Mercy (2-10, 0-0 HL | Saturday, Dec. 28 - 3 PM | Athletics Center O'rena | Rochester, Michigan

COVERAGE BROADCAST
TV20, ESPN3 | TALENT: Neal Ruhl (PxP) and Dan Waterstradt (analyst) | RADIO: WDFN-AM (1130), iHeart Radio app | TALENT: Neal Ruhl (PxP) and Dan Waterstradt (analyst)

ROCHESTER, Michigan - The Oakland University men's basketball program hosts rival Detroit Mercy on Saturday, December 28, at the O'rena. Tipoff is set for 3 pm.

The Golden Grizzlies enter Saturday's contest on a five-game winning streak over the Titans, the best stretch in program history.

Last time out against Detroit Mercy, Oakland claimed a 95-75 decision in the O'rena. Xavier Hill-Mais tallied a game-high 29 points, as Brad Brechting finished with a double-double, pulling down a game-high 12 boards.

Oakland is coming off an overtime loss on December 21 against Fairfield. A trio of Golden Grizzlies scored in double figures, led by Hill-Mais' 18 points. Brechting recorded his second double-double of the campaign, scoring 10 points to go with a game-best 13 rebounds.

Saturday's game against Detroit Mercy will be a White Out in the O'rena.

Inside the Series
Overall: Detroit leads 13-11
At Home: 6-1
At Detroit: 5-12
At Neutral: 0-0
Current Streak: Oakland, 5
Last Meeting: W, 95-75 (at the O'rena, 2/23/19)

Notes

The Golden Grizzlies and Detroit Mercy branded a rivalry in 2014 that includes competition between the shared 14 intercollegiate sports. Two points are awarded to the school that picks up the victory. In the sport of cross country, golf, track and field, the school with the highest finish at the Horizon League Championships will be awarded the two points
The Golden Grizzlies have dominated the rivalry over the first five seasons, outscoring the Titans 136-38.
For five-consecutive years, Oakland University Athletics has captured the Metro Series over Detroit Mercy. The Golden Grizzlies outscored the Titans by a score of 30-6 a year ago, earning points by defeating or finishing ahead of Detroit Mercy in 15 of the 18 competitions between the two schools.
Last time out against the Titans, Oakland claimed its largest victory over its rival since Dec. 6, 2001, defeating Detroit Mercy, 95-75. Xavier Hill-Mais had a game-high 29 points in the effort. Brad Brechting recorded a double-double, pulling down a game-high 12 rebounds to go with 11 points.
Oakland sits first in the Horizon League in defense, only allowing a league-best 64.8 points per game. The Golden Grizzlies held #16/15 MSU seven points below its season average, allowing just one Spartan to hit double-figures. Oakland has held opponents to under 60 point four times this season.
The Golden Grizzlies have been a force on the glass, outrebounding their opponents in nine of 13 outings this season. Oakland holds a margin of +4.0. The Golden Grizzlies rank second in the league in rebounding, trailing Youngstown State who is holding a margin of +4.5.
The Golden Grizzlies are the third-highest ranked Horizon team in the most updated NET rankings. The NET relies on game results, strength of schedule, game location, scoring margin, net offensive and defensive efficiency, and the quality of wins and losses. Wright State (111) and Northern Kentucky (116) are the lone league foes in front of Oakland (213).
Opponents have hit just 40.3 percent of their field goals against Oakland, making the Golden Grizzlies' defense tops in the Horizon League.
Hill-Mais' 18 points marks the 12th time this season in 13 outings the senior has reached double figures. He has scored double digits in nine-straight games, and has 47 career outings with 10+ points. Brad Brechting had a game-high 13 rebounds. It was Brechting's seventh double-digit rebounding effort of his career and second this season. Brechting pulled down 12 boards against Southern Illinois on November 10. Brechting's double-double is the second of the season and seventh of his career.
Oakland added 10 newcomers to the 2019-20 squad, including three transfers in Kevin Kangu (Vincennes University), Daniel Oladapo (Chipola College) and Rashad Williams (Cleveland State).