ROCHESTER, Mich. – The Golden Grizzlies men's basketball team is back on the Blacktop in the OU Credit Union O'rena to host Rochester Christian in the team's final exhibition of the season on Thursday, Oct. 30 at 7 p.m. ET. Fans can watch the game on ESPN+ or listen on 97.1HD-3/1270am or the Audacy App with Neal Ruhl and Matt Kibby on the call.
Oakland is coming off of a 111-77 exhibition victory over Alma last week in Rochester. Redshirt-freshman Warren Marshall IV led the scoring with 20 points, followed by Junior Isaac Garrett with 18, and senior Brody Robinson with 13. The Golden Grizzlies shot an even 50% from the field and totaled 52 boards against the Scots' drive. 11 players saw action on the court, including a hefty 40 bench points led by Khoi Thurmon.
Oakland is coming off a 16-18 season, including 11-6 in Horizon League action to finish in sixth. They advanced to the semifinals in the League Tournament, before succumbing to eventual champion, Robert Morris, in double overtime. The Golden Grizzlies were voted to finish second in the 2025-26 Horizon League Preseason Poll, receiving seven first-place votes. Milwaukee was selected just ahead of Oakland, a team that the Golden Grizzlies went 1-1 with in the regular season series and defeated in the #HLMBB Tournament quarterfinals last year.
Senior forward Tuburu Naivalurua was named the Horizon League's Preseason Player of the Year and Preseason All-League First Team after a strong junior campaign. Naivalurua returns as the Horizon League's leading scorer at 13.9 points per game. Known for his work on the other side of the ball, the Australia native averaged 7.1 boards per game, totaling 234 rebounds through all 33 games he started. He shot .555 from the field, including 83 made free-throws.
SCOUTING THE WARRIORS
Rochester Christian opened up their season with a 97-87 overtime win against Kentucky Christian last Saturday under head coach Dr. Klint Pleasant's 15th season at the helm. RCU starts conference action early with a game at home against Michigan-Dearborn tonight before heading to the Blacktop. The Warriors concluded the 2024-25 season with a 19-10 overall record, including a 9-4 record at Garth Pleasant Arena, with an 11-9 WHAC record. RCU finished in sixth place in the conference standings and fell in the tournament quarterfinals. They return senior James Fisher who averaged 13.9 points per game last season, with a 66.5% percentage.
How to Follow Oakland Men's Basketball: For complete information on Oakland Men's Basketball follow the team on X at @OaklandMBB and head coach Greg Kampe at @KampeOU. The team is also on Instagram and Facebook.
