ROCHESTER, Mich. — Jalen Moore totaled 31 points, 12 assists, and four steals to lead the Oakland men's basketball team to a series sweep over the Youngstown State Penguins, 81-74, on Saturday afternoon at the Athletics Center O'rena.
The Golden Grizzlies (5-12, 5-5 HL) had four players score in double figures, led by Moore, who notched his third-straight double-double. Micah Parrish added 13 points on 5-of-5 shooting, six rebounds, and two blocks, while Daniel Oladapo chipped in as well with 11 points, eight rebounds, and one block. Rashad Williams rounded out Oakland scorers in double-figures with 11 points.
Once again, Oakland shared the ball well, racking up 16 assists on 26 made field goals in the Horizon League matchup. Moore's 12 assists were a game-high and tied for the second-most in his young career with the Golden Grizzlies.
After falling behind 33-24, Oakland went on a 5-0 run with 5:06 left in the first half to narrow its deficit to 33-29. The Golden Grizzlies continued to close the gap, cutting the YSU (7-7, 3-7 HL) lead to 41-39 by the end of the first half.
Oakland narrowed its deficit to 61-60 before going on a decisive 8-0 run, finished off by Moore's three, to seize a 68-61 lead with 4:17 to go in the contest.
The Golden Grizzlies held onto that lead for the rest of the game for the 81-74 win.
Moore came in clutch in the final seven minutes of the half, as he scored 16 of his 19 second-half points in the time frame. The junior transfer started the game 4-of-15 from the field but converted on five of his final six shot attempts. Additionally, he went a perfect 9-of-9 from the charity stripe in the 31-point scoring effort.
Oakland struggled on the boards in the first half, as they were outrebounded 26-to-18. However, both teams finished the game with 39 rebounds thanks to improved performances on the glass in the second half. The big-man trio of Oladapo, Parrish, and Trey Townsend combined for 25 rebounds including nine offensive boards in the win.
The Golden Grizzlies are back in action next weekend on Jan. 22-23 against Detroit Mercy at the O'rena.
Other Notes
Moore notched his first-career 30-point double-double... Moore tallied four-plus steals for the fourth time this season... Moore converted on a team-high four 3-pointers... Oakland had a +13 scoring margin with Parrish on the floor... Oladapo scored in double-figures for the fifth-straight game... Townsend grabbed a team-high nine boards... Oakland went 22-of-24 (.917) from the free throw line... Moore and Townsend combined for all six of Oakland's steals.
#GrizzVision with Greg Kampe
