Rochester, Mich. - Oakland follows their most thrilling game of the year with another out-of-conference matchup this Sunday, as Toledo visits the O'rena to take on the Golden Grizzlies.

Oakland completed a 20-point comeback victory against Central Michigan in their last outing on Dec. 9, behind strong second-half shooting performances from Maddy Skorupski and Kennedie Montue.

The biggest catalyst for Oakland's recent upwards trend has been their defense, which is becoming nationally known for its ability to create turnovers. Not only is Oakland's 13.5 steals per game leading the Horizon League, but it also ranks sixth among all NCAA Division I teams.

Brooke Quarles Daniels (2.6 spg) and Skorupski (2.3 spg) rank one and two atop the individual Horizon League steals rankings. Oakland has six players in the top 20 of league steals rankings, including Montue (1.6), Madison Royal-Davis (1.6), Alexis Johnson (1.5), and Linda Van Schaik (1.3). 

The Golden Grizzlies move very cohesively and fluidly in their full-court press defense, applying heavy ball pressure a full 94 feet while almost daring teams to throw a deep pass where back-line defenders are waiting to snag it out the air, playing almost like safeties in football.

Oakland's opponents average a stunning 24.3 turnovers per game. This is accomplished with a stout half-court defense as well, where they play passing lanes and create deflections and steals leading to fastbreak opportunities.  Having forced their opposition into over 30 turnovers three times already this season, they'll look to make it four in their upcoming matchup.

With an elite defensive presence, the next step for Oakland is establishing their offensive attack in the half-court. It seems like as the season progresses, Oakland has leaned on their ability to shoot the three-ball.

Even with scoring struggles in their first two conference games, Oakland is the second highest scoring offense in the league, scoring an even 78 points per game. Their proficiency for three-point shooting has been a catalyst for that ranking, ranking fourth (.348) in league three-point field goal percentage.

Oakland has been strong on their home court this season, coming in at 3-1 on the Blacktop, with their only home loss coming at the hands of Purdue Fort Wayne on Nov. 30.

The Golden Grizzlies prepare to try and break a five-game losing streak against the Rockets, dating back to the 2009-10 season. Oakland's last victory against Toledo was on Dec. 2, 2006 where Oakland won by 16 (76-60) on the Blacktop.

The two teams faced off last season in Toledo, where Oakland took a 44-74 loss.

SCOUTING THE ROCKETS

Toledo comes into the game on a red-hot four-game win streak, most recently beating Loyola Maryland 65-35 on Dec. 10. 

The Rockets have yet to play a MAC opponent, but they hold a 5-2 record while having come out on top of opponents like SMU and Michigan early in the season.

Guard Quinesha Lockett has led the Rockets during their winning surge, averaging team highs in points (17.4) and rebounds (6.7).

Oakland looks to halt the visitors' winning streak this Sunday, Dec. 17 at 7 p.m. at the OU Credit Union O'rena. See the game's digital program HERE.

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