ROCHESTER, Mich. - The Golden Grizzlies wrapped up its preseason as it defeated the Warriors, 87-74, tonight in the team's final exhibition game inside Garth Pleasant Arena.

The Golden Grizzlies were led by Allen Mukeba who tallied 24 points and went 10-of-13 from the floor, as DQ Cole was right behind with 19 points. Mukeba also paced the team with 10 rebounds to secure the double-double.

The Warriors saw Brett White record a game-high 31 points with five shots from three, as Dustin Farrow led the team with seven rebounds.

The game began with Rochester Christian drawing first blood as Dustin Farrow scored an early layup, setting the tone for a back-and-forth opening. Oakland responded swiftly as Allen Mukeba fought hard under the basket, grabbing consecutive offensive rebounds and finally converting a layup to tie it up. The Warriors briefly took the lead again, but Jayson Woodrich quickly ignited Oakland's offense with a three-pointer, putting the Golden Grizzlies ahead, 5-4.

From there, Oakland found their rhythm. DQ Cole drained a three-pointer off an assist from Woodrich to push Oakland ahead and the Golden Grizzlies never looked back. Mukeba continued to dominate in the paint, securing offensive boards and cashing in with layups, which, along with a three-pointer by Jaylen Jones, extended Oakland's lead to 15-11.

As the half progressed, Oakland's ball movement and shooting accuracy kept the Warriors on their heels. Nassim Mashour orchestrated Oakland's offense with two key assists, allowing Buru Naivalurua to add a smooth layup and sparking a surge that forced Rochester Christian to call an early timeout. The Warriors attempted to claw their way back, with Parker and Brett White hitting timely shots, but Oakland's defensive rebounds, led by Mukeba and Cole, kept Rochester Christian at bay.

Woodrich continued to shine from beyond the arc, with his precision shooting keeping the momentum firmly on Oakland's side, as it entered the half up by three.

Oakland continued to build on their lead in the second half, with contributions from multiple players. Early on, Buru Naivalurua scored with a layup to extend Oakland's advantage to 40-35. Brett White responded for Rochester Christian with a jump shot, but Jaylen Jones countered quickly with a three-pointer, bringing Oakland's lead to 43-39.

Oakland maintained their pressure, capitalizing on Rochester's turnovers with Mukeba blocking a shot and Cole scoring on a layup shortly after. Mukeba then executed a dunk off an assist from Cole, further widening the gap to 47-39. Rochester struggled to close the lead, and Buru Naivalurua's dunk at 8:56 pushed the score to 66-51. Rochester made a few late pushes, with Gunner Walters and White sinking three-pointers, but Mukeba and Jones kept Oakland firmly in control.

With Mukeba consistently grabbing offensive rebounds and scoring, Oakland solidified their lead and held on for a comfortable finish.

The Golden Grizzlies led off the glass with 34 rebounds, compared to the Warriors 29, as the team went a collective 33-of-62 (.532) from the floor. The Warriors went 27-of-58 (.466) from the floor, as Rochester Christian made two more threes with its 10.

The Golden Grizzlies open up the 2024-25 season at home Monday, Nov. 4, as it faces off against Defiance College. Tip-off from the OU Credit Union O'rena is slated for 7:00 p.m. ET, and will be streamed live on ESPN+.