ROCHESTER, Mich. – Head coach Greg Kampe and the Oakland men's basketball team is set for a trip down I-75 and I-94 to Ypsilanti to face Eastern Michigan on Friday, Nov. 21 at 6:30 p.m. ET in the Gervin GameAbove Center.
Oakland (1-4, 0-0 HL) fell in a highly contested battle back in Big 12 Conference territory against Johnny Dawkins and the UCF Knights, 83-87, on Monday.
Fifth-year Brett White II scored an NCAA career-high 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 Golden Grizzlies came off of a three-game stand of the No. 7 and back-to-back No. 1 teams in the country to open the 2025-26 season, touted as the hardest schedule in Division I Men's Basketball and to KenPom.com's strength of schedule rankings at +28.20 net rating.
Tip-off in Ypsilanti slated for 6:30 p.m. ET on ESPN+ with Brent Balbinot (PxP) and Reggie Butler (Color) on the call. The Voice of the Golden Grizzlies, Neal Ruhl, will be on the radio call on 97.1HD-3/1270am or the Audacy App online.
SCOUTING THE EAGLES
Stan Heath and Eastern Michigan are 2-2 on the 2025-26 season, most recently dropping 90-83 to IU Indy and scoring 72 in a win at Detroit Mercy for a few Horizon League matchups on their slate. The Eagles see a new roster on the court as they returned only one starter from last season in 6-11 big man John Shanu II. Redshirt-senior Addison Patterson is leading the squad with 15.2 points/game, as EMU is currently 11th in the MAC in offense with averaging 73.0 points per game and allowing 69.8 on the other side.
A rivalry built 65 miles apart, this will be the 22nd overall meeting of Oakland and Eastern Michigan since 1969. Oakland will be looking for its fourth win over the Eagles in the last six meetings, dropping last season's contest on the Blacktop, 64-68.
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.
