Box Score ROCHESTER, Mich. – The visiting Toledo Rockets rode a big third quarter to a victory, spoiling Oakland's home opener with a 84-72 final score.

Kahlaijah Dean recorded 27 points, six assists and four rebounds, leading Oakland in points and assists. The first-team All-Horizon league athlete lived behind the arc, hitting 5-14 3-pointers.

The only other Golden Grizzly to score in double figures was Kayla Luchenbach, who scored 13 on 50% shooting. Luchenbach grabbed five rebounds as well, fourth on the team. Breanna Perry led Oakland in steals, taking the ball away twice. Breanne Beatty led the team in rebounds, pulling down seven boards. 

Oakland as a team struggled to shoot effectively against Toledo, losing the second and third quarter, which eventually decided the game. Oakland shot 6-17 from the floor in the second and 6-15 in the third. They were outscored 22-13 in the second and 27-19 in the third as the two middle periods proved pivotal.

The battle on the glass went to Toledo. The Rockets out-rebounded the Golden Grizzlies 46-36, including 17 offensive rebounds. The rebounding advantage went hand-in-hand with Toledo's paint points advantage. The Rockets lived inside, scoring exactly half of their points in the paint (42). Part of those paint points were the abundance of fast break points, where Toledo doubled up on Oakland. Toledo scored 12 points in transition compared to Oakland's six. 

Two Rockets put up double doubles with rebounds, the preseason second team All-MAC Quinesha Lockett and senior Jessica Cook. Lockett led Toledo with 23 points. 

The first quarter was all Oakland. The Golden Grizzlies jumped out to an early 21-14 lead. They held the lead into the second before Toledo came storming back to draw even. A tough second quarter ended and Oakland was still within striking distance, down 36-34. 

Sophomore LaMariyee Williams made the first start of her career, and filled the stat sheet with nine points, six rebounds, an assist and one steal. Helen Staley, Olivia Sims and Aaliyah McQueen each made their debuts for Oakland. Olivia Sims hit her first career 3-pointer for her first points as a Golden Grizzly. Staley recorded her first career rebound and assist. 

Toledo's 27-point third quarter was critical. The Rockets offense was firing on all cylinders, and while Oakland was putting up points, it was too much to overcome in the end. After taking a 10-point lead into the fourth, Toledo was able to hold on and keep the lead at five or more points for the rest of the contest. 

Next up for the Golden Grizzlies is the second of four straight at home. They host Niagara University on Friday, Nov. 12 at noon.