CLEVELAND - Alona Blackwell poured in a career-high 24 points while matching a career-mark with five assists along with five rebounds as Oakland saw its four-game win streak come to an end at Cleveland State, 75-70, on Friday afternoon. Breanna Perry also scored a career-best 12 points off the bench on 6-for-7 shooting from the field with Kahlaijah Dean added 13 points with seven rebounds, four assists and three steals to round out the three Golden Grizzlies in double figures.

Breanne Beatty tied a career-high with five dimes while Autumn Kissman chipped in with nine pts and seven rebounds. Led by Chloe Guingrich's three offensive rebounds, Oakland (8-8, 8-5 HL) did a great job crashing the offensive glass, pulling down 11 boards that resulted in eight second-chance points.

Oakland's defense was effective at taking away the basketball forcing 22 Cleveland State (4-7, 4-7) turnovers. Those takeaways turned into 26 points on the other end of the floor. Dean's three steals led the way individually.

Oakland kept it close in the first quarter, but entered the second frame down 18-15.

The Golden Grizzlies then started off the second quarter by going on an 8-0 run, highlighted by a bucket from Perry, to take a 23-18 lead. The Vikings then came roaring back with a 13-5 run to take a 36-30 lead heading into halftime.

Oakland came out of halftime on fire, going on a 10-0 run, punctuated by a basket from Blackwell, to grab a 40-36 lead with 8:00 to go in the third. Cleveland State responded to seize a 54-50 lead entering the fourth quarter. Oakland played well near the basket, scoring 14 of its 20 points in the paint.

CSU kept widening its lead in the fourth, constructing a 72-62 advantage before Oakland went on a 6-0 run, finished off by Blackwell's three, to shrink the deficit to 72-68 with 1:27 to go in the contest. Cleveland State responded and outscored the Golden Grizzlies the rest of the way en route to the win. Oakland fired away from deep in the quarter, knocking down four shots to account for 12 of its 20 points.

Both teams will play the series finale on Saturday, Jan. 30 at 1 p.m.

Game Notes
» The Golden Grizzlies put on a passing clinic, recording an assist on 64 percent of made field goals.
» The Oakland bench came alive by adding 21 points to its scoring output.
» The Oakland defense forced 22 turnovers.
» Oakland cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 11 offensive boards in the game.
» Alona Blackwell led the Golden Grizzlies with 24 points.
» Oakland got seven rebounds from both Autumn Kissman and Kahlaijah Dean.

Data Skrive technology was used to assist in writing this recap.





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