ORLANDO, Fla. — The Oakland Golden Grizzlies (1-4, 0-0 HL) fell to UCF (4-1, 0-0 Big 12), 87-83, in a closely contested matchup at Addition Financial Arena on Monday night. In the battle, both teams tied four times and exchanged the lead three times. Oakland's offense was efficient from the free-throw line, converting 22-of-26 attempts. Despite the effort, the Knights capitalized on second-chance points, outscoring Oakland 17-9, which proved decisive.

"We made the steal and a foot was on the line: that's how close this game was tonight," said head coach Greg Kampe. "You've got to be proud. We just need to keep getting better. Keep getting better in the zone -- we did a lot of really good things in it tonight."

Fifth-year Brett White II scored 21 points, including six three-pointers -- the most by a Golden Grizzly since Jayson Woodrich against Cleveland State in February 2025-- and also popped up on defense, recording two blocks. Junior Isaac Garrett tallied 23 points, was strong at the line with 9 of 10 free throws, and collected seven rebounds. Senior Brody Robinson added 20 points, hitting three 3-pointers and securing nine of his 11 free throw attempts, while Fifth-year Tuburu Naivalurua posted 11 points, led the team with five assists, and contributed six rebounds.

The game opened with Oakland taking an early lead as senior Ziare Wells scored a layup just 22 seconds in, assisted by Naivalurua. Oakland maintained a competitive edge with strong shooting from beyond the arc, including back-to-back threes downtown by White II that tied the game at 10-10 around the 12-minute mark. Despite the early momentum, the half saw several lead changes and ties, with Oakland's bench contributing 18 points. Garrett's defensive efforts included key rebounds and a block midway through the half, helping to keep the score tight. The first half closed with Oakland trailing the Knights by four points, ending at 44-40.

The second half opened with Oakland trailing but quickly leveling the score at 70–70 with a spirited run, highlighted by Robinson's layup and a free basket at 8:17. The team capitalized on the Knights' turnovers and maintained pressure through effective scoring in the paint by Garrett and Naivalurua. Despite a late push from the Knights, including a three-pointer by Riley Kugel, Oakland kept the contest tight, briefly taking the lead at 74–73 with Naivalurua's layup at 6:57.

In the closing minutes, Oakland's White's jumper brought them within one point at 80–81 with 1:52 remaining. However, the Knights responded with free throws in the final seconds to edge ahead. A last-second effort from Oakland fell short as the half ended tied at 43–43, but the Knights held a narrow 87–83 advantage on aggregate.

Oakland will head back to The Mitten to face Eastern Michigan on Friday, Nov. 21 at 6:30 p.m. ET. The matchup in the Gervin GameAbove Center in Ypsilanti will be available to watch on ESPN+ or listen on 97.1HD-3/1270am or online on the Audacy App.


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.