ROCHESTER, Mich. — Graduate senior Jamal Cain exploded for 29 points, 17 rebounds, three steals, and two blocks as the Oakland men's basketball team powered past Toledo, 80-59, in its home opener at the Athletics Center O'rena on Wednesday night. 

The Golden Grizzlies (2-1) trailed 32-31 at halftime but outscored Toledo (2-1) 49-27 in the final 20 minutes to hand the Rockets their first loss of the 2021-22 season. 

In the second half alone, Cain posted 17 points on 7-of-9 shooting and added nine rebounds, two steals, and two blocks. Sophomore Blake Lampman had a career night, scoring 18 points on 5-of-9 shooting from outside the arc. To add, he blocked two shots and converted on three of his four free throw attempts. Junior point guard Jalen Moore posted a double-double with 17 points to go along with 11 assists, while second-year freshman Trey Townsend scored nine points and grabbed nine boards in 40 minutes. 

Oakland won the rebound battle, 41-38, and outscored UT 46-26 in the paint. The Golden Grizzlies also led the game in second-chance points (17-14), fast-break points (14-6), and bench points (23-7). 

Toledo stormed out to a 9-2 advantage at the 15:48 minute mark of the first half. However, OU responded with a 15-6 run to go up 17-16 with 9:02 left in the period. The half was in striking distance for the remaining nine minutes, as neither team led by more than three points. The Golden Grizzlies closed the half with an alley-oop from Moore to Cain, reducing Oakland's deficit to 32-31 heading into the break. 

The Golden Grizzlies shot just 2-of-17 (11%) from 3-point range in the first 20 minutes. Meanwhile, Toledo went 9-for-9 at the charity stripe and led the rebound advantage, 20-19. Cain, Moore, and Lampman combined for 27 out of OU's 32 points in the period.  

The score was even at 41-all, with 15:50 minutes left in the second half. The Golden Grizzlies then went on a 19-5 run to take a 60-46 lead at the 9:23 minute mark. Lampman highlighted the span with two 3-pointers. 

A thunderous dunk from Cain followed by a 3-pointer from freshman Osei Price extended the Oakland lead to 70-50 with 5:52 to go. The Golden Grizzlies coasted the rest of the way en route to an 80-59 win. 

Oakland will return to action at No. 14 Alabama on Friday, Nov. 19. 

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