Rochester, Mich. - From one Big Ten opponent to another, Oakland continues their in-state road trip as they head to Ann Arbor to take on the Wolverines.
Oakland comes into the game with a .500 record, splitting their first two games. Most recently losing to a talented Michigan State team in East Lansing on Nov. 8.

In both of their first games the Golden Grizzlies have been led by graduate transfer guard Markyia McCormick, who has totaled 33 points in the first two outings. McCormick has used her ability to draw fouls and get free points at the free throw line to disrupt other teams' defense, going 16-18 (.889 FT%) to start the season. 
Sophomore Maddy Skorupski had her welcome to Oakland performance, pouring in 14 points (6-11 FG), four rebounds, and four assists against her former school. 

Oakland is also relying on the play of another sophomore guard in Brooke Quarles-Daniels, who has managed to positively impact the Golden Grizzlies performance, despite a bit of a rough shooting start to the season. Her gritty play style, defensive pressure, and ability to make effort plays is contagious on the team. In the first two games the 5'7 guard has snagged seven steals (3.5 SPG) -  tying her for first in the Horizon League - and 11 rebounds.

The Golden Grizzlies are missing a bit of size down low. After a near double-double (eight points, 10 rebounds) in the season opener against Akron, Oakland was without junior forward Miriam Ibezim against Michigan State. 

With not much history between the Golden Grizzlies and Wolverines, Oakland is looking to earn just their second win all-time against Michigan. In just nine matchups ever, Michigan has won eight. Oakland last emerged victorious  in this matchup on Dec. 28, 2004 where they went into Ann Arbor and won 74-68.

SCOUTING THE WOLVERINES

Michigan comes into the game with a 1-0 record, beating Purdue Fort Wayne 80-61 on Nov. 6.

The Wolverines are led by guard Laila Phelia, who was unanimously named to the Preseason All-Big Ten team after averaging 16.7 points per game and 4.2 rebounds per game during the 2022-23 season. The junior lived up to  the preseason recognition, dropping 25 points on Purdue Fort Wayne in the opener.
 
This will be the second game in a row where Oakland will have a challenge with the opposing guard, after having their hands full with Michigan State's Deedee Hagemann last game. Oakland will anchor down with their own All-Conference talent guard, plus a strong supporting cast.

Catch the latest Horizon League vs. Big Ten matchup in Ann Arbor on Tuesday, Nov. 14 at 7 p.m.