LAS VEGAS, NV – Kahlaijah Dean scored 28 points and moved into the top 20 all-time scorers in program history, but the Bowling Green Falcons emerged victorious, 72-60.
It was the first game of the Holiday Hoops Classic in Las Vegas, where the Golden Grizzlies returned to action after a 12-day hiatus. Turnovers determined the game, as Bowling Green was able to score 28 points off Oakland's 17 turnovers.
Dean's 28 points put her 19th all-time in program history with 1,257 points, still with 19 games left to play in her senior season.
The Golden Grizzlies were quick to get rolling offensively, hitting 4-6 field goals to go ahead 9-4. The ball was moving and four different Oakland players made shots early on.
Bowling Green took an early lead, but the Golden Grizzly defense limited them to 1-7 field goals to go up five. The Falcons responded quickly, forcing turnovers and hitting a three to tie the game at nine all.
Turnovers plagued the end of the first quarter for Oakland, five turnovers in four minutes kept the game close and low-scoring, with the Golden Grizzly defense still keeping BGSU in check. Both teams endured multiple minute-long scoring droughts, and the first quarter concluded with BGSU leading 17-12.
After gliding through the paint for a layup at the end of the first, Dean etched her name further into the Oakland record books, tying Janice Kosman to become the 20th leading scorer in Oakland history. Later, she hit a free throw to put her firmly in the top 20.
Oakland opened up the second quarter with four quick points from
Kayla Luchenbach, bringing them within two points. Luchenbach had four points and four rebounds quickly, providing a boost to the Oakland offense.
After drawing closer, the Falcons had another good defensive stretch, forcing three more turnovers over three minutes, going on a 6-0 run to take an eight-point lead. The Falcons kept their foot on the gas to close out the second, taking a 37-24 lead into halftime.
The turnover differential was critical in the first half, especially. Oakland turned the ball over 12 times, giving Bowling Green 17 points off turnovers. The Falcons had only five turnovers, and Oakland had zero points off turnovers. The Falcons were also leading in the assist battle, 7-2. Their bench was crucial to their success, scoring 14 of their 37 first-half points.
Dean was Oakland's leading scorer at the half, putting up nine points to go along with three rebounds. Luchenbach led Oakland with four rebounds to go along with her four points.
Continuing her success in the first, Dean came out of the half shooting well. Dean had 10 points on 4-4 shooting, including 2-2 from the free throw line in the first few minutes of the second half. Oakland was able to narrow the gap to nine points at the first media timeout, trailing 46-37.
Following the timeout, Bowling Green reclaimed their initial lead, going on a 9-2 run to take a 14-point lead. A nearly four-minute scoring drought for Oakland gave the Falcons the chance to take a near 20-point lead. They led 59-42 heading into the fourth quarter.
A 13-point third quarter from Dean tied her with Tamika Bates for 19th all time in points in the Oakland record books. Her 22 points going into the fourth led all scorers. With a three to kick off the fourth quarter, Dean moved into sole possession of 19th on the Oakland all-time scoring list.
Oakland's quick start to the fourth quarter cut the lead down by a few points, but the Falcons once again rebounded from a slower start, holding Oakland to 1-7 field goals in the middle of the fourth. The Golden Grizzlies scored six points in two minutes, but Bowling Green held on for the 12-point win.
Next up on the schedule is Marshall University, the second and final game of the Holiday Hoops Classic.
