ROCHESTER, Mich. – The Golden Grizzlies returned home after a near month and a half absence to host the Wright State Raiders. The Golden Grizzlies won two in a row, and were looking for three for the first time this season.
The Raiders held a one-point lead after one quarter, but two strong quarters from Oakland gave them their third consecutive win, putting them second in the Horizon at 5-2. The Golden Grizzlies were led by junior
Breanne Beatty's 16 points and four threes, two career highs. Key buckets from
Kayla Luchenbach, who finished with 14, helped Oakland even out their overall record at 7-7.
Sydney Gouard set a career high with 11 rebounds, including four offensive.
Oakland was without
Kahlaijah Dean,
Breanna Perry,
Lamariyee Williams and
Kennedie Montue.
It was a fast start for Oakland, they opened on a 9-2 run, but the Raiders were able to slowly chip away at the lead, getting inside for layups and free throw opportunities. Wright State took their first lead at the end of the quarter, 12-11.
The Golden Grizzlies responded in the second quarter, going on a 16-6 run over the first five minutes of the period.
Aaliyah McQueen hit two threes, and Beatty reached double figures, hitting 10 points on a three assisted by
Kendall Folley.
Wright State rebounded from the mid-quarter nine-point deficit, closing out the half with some paint looks. Oakland led 30-24 at halftime, with Beatty's game-high 10 points leading the way.
Luchenbach opened the third quarter with instant offense. The forward from Clarkston hit consecutive layups, then got to the line and converted both freebies. Oakland extended their lead to 12 after three minutes.
The remainder of the third quarter was a battle. Beatty hit two more threes to improve to a perfect 4-4 from deep. The fourth three set a career high in threes made and points (16).
McQueen flashed her defensive ability with a steal and layup to quell a mid-quarter run from Wright State, and Oakland led 47-36 going into the final quarter.
Once again, Luchenbach opened up the quarter with points, converting two free throws. After scoring 12 against Purdue Fort Wayne, Luchenbach added another double-digit performance, her sixth of the year.
Oakland opened the fourth on a 7-2 run, extending the lead to 16 points early in the period. Wright State cut it to 11 with four and a half left, but were unable to capitalize on it. The Oakland lead hovered around 11 for the rest of the game.
The Golden Grizzlies closed the game out, winning 62-51. Next up is Northern Kentucky, as the Norse will visit the O'Rena for a Saturday afternoon tip at 2 p.m.
