ROCHESTER, Mich. — The Oakland Golden Grizzlies (1-3, 0-0 HL) dominated Defiance (3-1, 0-0 WHAC), 113-47 inside the OU Credit Union O'rena Saturday afternoon. Oakland's relentless defense forced 27 turnovers and resulted in 21 steals, contributing significantly to their commanding lead. Scoring 72 points in the paint, Oakland never trailed in the game and led by 47 points at halftime.

"It was good to open our season and finally play at home -- its been a tough start with one of the toughest schedules ever played," said head coach Greg Kampe. "To be able to come home, play everybody a lot of minutes, get up and down and press. I was very pleased with the game. I was pleased with the intensity we played with throughout."

Fifth-year senior Brett White II led Oakland with 18 points, converting four 3-pointers and recording three steals. Fifth-year senior Tuburu Naivalurua posted a perfect shooting performance, scoring 17 points on 8-for-8 from the field and adding three steals, as senior Brody Robinson contributed 17 points while successfully converting seven of 10 free throws and dishing out five assists. Senior Ziare Wells scored 13 points and collected seven rebounds, along with four assists and two steals, along as senior Nate Deer picked up his first NCAA career double-double, shooting 11 points and picking up 10 boards.

Oakland opened the game with a dominant performance, capitalizing on turnovers and fast-break opportunities to take an early lead. Wells initiated a scoring surge with a layup following a steal at 18:33, contributing to a quick 7–2 advantage. The home team continued to extend their lead, fueled by efficient shooting and solid defense, as they amassed 12 steals and forced 15 turnovers by the Yellowjackets. By the end of the first half, Oakland had established a commanding position, leading 68–21.

The Golden Grizzlies surged ahead in the second half with a strong defensive display, forcing multiple turnovers that led to back-to-back fastbreak points. A notable sequence saw sophomore Nassim Mashhour steal the ball twice, resulting in quick points from Robinson and Wells, solidifying their lead. White contributed significantly, hitting two 3-pointers, and a dunk, extending Oakland's advantage. Oakland maintained control throughout the half, ending with a 45-26 scoring advantage in the frame as the game concluded in the Black and Gold's favor.

Oakland will travel to face the Big 12's UCF on Monday, Nov. 17, at 7 p.m. The game, streamed on ESPN+ will be inside Addition Financial Arena in Orlando, Fla, as the Voice of the Golden Grizzlies, Neal Ruhl, will be on the call on 97.1HD-3/1270am or the Audacy App online.


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.