ROCHESTER, Mich. --  Kahlaijah Dean scored a team-best 17 points as the Golden Grizzlies dropped their third-straight game, falling to Cleveland State 85-65 Thursday night from the O'rena. 
 
Dean went 6-18 from the floor, including 5-13 from 3-point range. The senior added three assists and three steals.
 
Breanne Beatty tallied 12 points, shooting 4-6 from the floor. Beatty also added five rebounds, three assists, and one steal.
 
After taking a 45-36 lead into the halftime break, the Vikings (16-6, 11-5 HL) were able to extend their lead to double-digits just a few possessions into the third quarter. The two teams then traded baskets over the next few minutes, until the Vikings were able to string together multiple points on from a free throw and a layup .
 
The teams once again traded baskets over the final possessions of the quarter then, as the Vikings held a nine-point advantage at 59-50 heading into the final 10 minutes of play.
Oakland wasn't able to close the gap as Cleveland State was able to gain some momentum over the first few minutes of the fourth quarter, as a 7-0 run to began the frame. CSU outscored the Golden Grizzles 26-15 in the final 10 minutes.

Freshman Helen Staley had an outstanding performance recording a season high in points (seven), minutes (25), and assists (3). Staley went an impressive 3-4 from the floor.
 
Oakland will welcome Purdue Fort Wayne Saturday at 2 p.m. The game will serve as senior day and will be broadcast on ESPN+.