Golden Grizzlies Jump Back into Action Against RMU

ROCHESTER, Mich. - With just a one-day turnaround, the Golden Grizzlies jump back into action as they take on Robert Morris on Saturday.

Oakland fell 79-85 at the hands of Youngstown State on Thursday, marking the Golden Grizzlies' third straight loss. While having a very solid offensive performance in the game, shooting over .500 in the first and third quarter, finishing .433 (26-of-60) on the game, it was Oakland's defense in the half court that spelled their downfall, being outscored 46 to 30 in the paint with YSU scoring several times on plays leaking behind Oakland's last line of defense.

Oakland's identity has been on the defensive end thus far, leading the conference in categories like steals, opponent turnovers, and turnover margin. Their press, which has led to their success on the defensive end, has become a double-edged sword, resulting in steals and easy buckets or oftentimes press-breaking buckets by the opposition.

Acting Head Coach Deanna Richard said after their game Thursday that certain aspects of their defense will be adjusted. Oakland's press has been keen at causing havoc, and once it is able to lean back and create that same chaos in the half court their success is projected to skyrocket.

The Golden Grizzly offense has improved its potency over the three-game slide as Oakland has shot at least .400 from the floor in each of their last three games, surpassing their season mark of .392 field goal percentage.

Their booming offense still holds the third most points per game (73.3) in the Horizon League, an eye-opening stat in their upcoming matchup against the Colonials as Robert Morris ranks last in points per game, averaging just 56 points.

The Colonials not only rank last in scoring, but also have the lowest field goal percentage (.358) and three point percentage (.238) of any team in the league. This is a prime opportunity for the Golden Grizzlies to not only hold their opponents to a low point total, but to also use a recent offensive burst to score at a high clip.

The Golden Grizzlies have been on top of the head-to-head matchups against Robert Morris, winning five out of the seven of the matchups between the teams. Oakland most recently beat the Colonials on Jan. 7, winning 64-58 behind 14 points from Kennedie Montue. Oakland is a perfect 4-0 against Robert Morris at home. Now in the final six games of the season, they look to extend that to five in a row and to pick up a much-needed win.

SCOUTING THE COLONIALS

Robert Morris comes crawling into the final part of the season, ranking last in the conference with a 6-17 record, only securing two conference wins thus far in 14 games.

On an 11-game losing streak, the Colonials are looking for any sign of positivity to end their season. They most recently lost to Detroit Mercy 49-68 on Thursday, Feb. 8.

The Golden Grizzlies and the Colonials are set to face off this Saturday, Feb. 10, at 2 p.m. on the Blacktop.

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Players Mentioned

#25 Kennedie Montue: G; 5' 11"; Sophomore

Players Mentioned

#25 Kennedie Montue
: 5' 11"; Sophomore
: G

Players Mentioned

#25 Kennedie Montue

Players Mentioned

#25 Kennedie Montue