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UNLEASH THE GRIZZ

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Women's Basketball Jordan Nelson

Golden Grizzlies Head to the Jungle in a Showdown with the Jags

ROCHESTER, Mich - The Golden Grizzlies pack their bags and hit the road for a three-game road stretch, starting at IUPUI.

Last time out, Oakland was just one good quarter shy of a win against Cleveland State. Outside of a third quarter where they shot 3-of-15 (.200) from the field, the Golden Grizzlies outscored the Vikings 56-51. 

Cleveland State showed why they are the top team in the conference, ending the game shooting .587 (27-of-46) from the floor.

Oakland has had many more positives in their recent games than early in the season. The offense seems to be clicking, while their defensive identity is continuing to prove troublesome for all opponents.

Sophomore guard Brooke Quarles-Daniels has once again emerged as the lead playmaker, scorer, and defender on the Golden Grizzlies. She has scored in double digits in five straight games and has only one game without a steal this season, bringing her averages up to 13.1 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 2.6 steals per game. Her intensity and emotion on the court is a huge catalyst for the team.

That emotion that the entire team plays with is a key part why Oakland is a threat to knock off any team. The Golden Grizzlies carry that underdog mentality in every contest, carrying a chip on their shoulders that powers their engine.

Maddy Skorupski had one of her strongest defensive games of the year in the loss to Cleveland State. She finished with a career-high seven steals to go along with 13 points, tying her third highest scoring performance of the season. Skorupski played 22 minutes in the game, and while her minutes vary from game-to-game, she has scored in double-digits in eight of the nine contests when playing over 19 minutes.

Skorupski, much like fellow guard Kennedie Monute, is an instant force when activated off the bench. Both players can get hot and change the trajectory of a game in just a few possessions, on both sides of the ball.

In their first of three road games, Oakland faces an IUPUI team that has had their number, winning the last 14 head-to-head matchups. Oakland holds a 20-24 all time record against the Jags, who are struggling this season, positioning Oakland in a great spot to break their losing streak.

In their last matchup, which came on Feb. 18, 2023, IUPUI pulled off a 14-point victory (87-73) at the OU Credit Union O'rena. Montue was the leading scorer for Oakalnd in the game, finishing with 15 points (4-of-8 FG), two assists, two rebounds, and a pair of steals.

In the upcoming matchup, the Golden Grizzlies offense may have a chance to flourish as much as it has this season. IUPUI ranks eighth in offense (64.9 ppg) and last in scoring defense, allowing opponents to score 78.4 ppg. The Jags also rank tenth in turnover margin (-4.83)and turnovers per game (19.5), while being in the bottom three in assist to turnover ratio (.67) as well. Scoring in bunches and creating turnovers are Oakland's two biggest strengths, making this matchup a favorable one on paper.

SCOUTING THE JAGS

IUPUI is having a rough season, having lost three of their last four games as they sit in ninth place in the Horizon League. With a 4-14 record, they've secured just two league wins (2-7) which came against Detroit Mercy (1/4) and NKU (1/14).

Most recently the Jags lost to Green Bay on their home floor, 59-87. An area that IUPUI has excelled in has been on the boards, tied for third in rebounds per game (36.6) with the Golden Grizzlies, while ranking third in offensive rebounds per game (11.3).

The Jags' leading scorer is junior guard Katie Davidson, who's 18 ppg rank second in the Horizon League. Davidson also shoots a blazing .375 from three, an area that hurt Oakland in their game against Cleveland State.

The teams face off in 'the Jungle' on Sunday, Jan. 28 at 4 p.m.

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Players Mentioned

Brooke Quarles-Daniels

#5 Brooke Quarles-Daniels

PG
5' 7"
Freshman
Maddy Skorupski

#2 Maddy Skorupski

G
5' 8"
Sophomore

Players Mentioned

Brooke Quarles-Daniels

#5 Brooke Quarles-Daniels

5' 7"
Freshman
PG
Maddy Skorupski

#2 Maddy Skorupski

5' 8"
Sophomore
G