ROCHESTER, Mich - The Golden Grizzlies are riding a ton of momentum coming into their next game against Cleveland State, after giving Green Bay their first conference loss of the season on Saturday, Jan. 20.

Oakland played their best game of the season, shooting .509 (27-of-53) from the floor for just the second time this season. Brooke Quarles-Daniels continued her recent hot streak of games, scoring a career-high 27 points on 11-of-14 shooting, seven rebounds, three assists, and two steals, including her second game-winning shot of her career. Kennedie Montue also set a career best in points with 23 points on 7-of-13 from the field.

Quarles-Daniels now ranks seventh in the Horizon League in points per game (13) and has scored in double-figures in eight of the Golden Grizzlies' last nine games. She also joins Ibezim (7.1 rpg) in the top ten of rebounders of the league, averaging 6.6 rebounds per game.

Oakland earned their second win against a top-three Horizon League team this season, showing that their ability to defend and convert in transition is a threat to any opponent that they share the court with. 

Still dominant on the boards, Oakland outrebounded Green Bay 36 to 23, marking their third highest advantage on the glass all season as the Golden Grizzlies rank fourth in team rebounds (37.1 ppg) and first in offensive rebounds (15 orpg).

Their last outing was just the latest showing of Oakland's ability to stay in games with their defense. Even though they didn't force their usual amount of turnovers, the Golden Grizzlies specialize in rushing opposing ball handlers into bad decisions and often disrupt the plans of other teams.

With a 6-4 record at home, the Blacktop has been a favorable place to play for Oakland. Their upcoming game against Cleveland State will be the last of a four game home stand, and after the Golden Grizzlies will start a three-game stretch on the road where they'll have a much easier stretch of games, playing Wright State, IUPUI, and NKU.

Cleveland State has had the advantage against Oakland throughout the history of their matchups, winning the previous 11 games against Oakland. In their most recent matchup, on Jan. 28, 2023, the Golden Grizzlies fell 51-72 to the Vikings. Quarles-Daniels was the only Oakland player in double-digits in the game.

History might be irrelevant in this matchup, as the story was the same against a historically dominant Green Bay team. This Oakland team is designed to play rough, physical, and has an underdog type mentality. 

A win against Cleveland State would not only add another win against a league titan to Oakland's resume, but it would also potentially allow Oakland to jump into as high up as fourth place and move their league record back up to .500.

SCOUTING THE VIKINGS

Cleveland State has now moved into the top spot in the Horizon League after Oakland gave Green Bay their first conference loss. The Vikings are riding a six-game win streak, most recently beating IUPUI 90-58 on Jan. 20.

Cleveland State is the number one offensive team in the league, averaging 76.7 ppg. The Vikings have a trio of players who all pose problems to opposing defenses. Reigning #HLWBB player of the week Colbi Maples averages 17.1 ppg, third most in the league, while shooting .400 from three. Senior guard Mickayla Perdue adds another layer of offense, chipping in 15.3 ppg. The most interesting development for the Vikings is the return of senior guard Destiny Leo, who averages a team high 20.7 ppg, but due to injury has just played six games this season.

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