MISSOULA, Mont. — Oakland (2-5, 0-0 HL) took care of first-time opponent Lamar (3-2, 0-0 SLC) 83-68 in the Golden Grizzlies' first game of the Blaine Taylor Classic in Dahlberg Arena on the campus of the University of Montana. Oakland capitalized on 16 Lamar turnovers, converting them into 22 points, and dominated inside with 48 points in the paint. Lamar stayed competitive early, with the game featuring nine ties and seven lead changes, but Oakland pulled away with an explosive second half.

"Lamar is really good. They're 6'10", 6'11", and they rebound. They press the whole court, the whole length of the game," said head coach Greg Kampe. "They're physical and we handled it. We handled it and every time they made their little run, we were able to get the ball inside and play through our strengths. And with [fifth-year] Michael Houge back -- I've told people -- with that front line back  and it's really, really good. We were 3-for-17 from three on the road against a really good team and we won by 15, think about that."

Fifth-year Tuburu Naivalurua led the team and earned his fourth career 20-point outing with 21 points, adding six free throws and three steals. Houge contributed 16 points and two blocks, while also collecting eight rebounds in his second career game in the Black and Gold as senior Brody Robinson recorded a season-high nine assists and added 12 points, converting six free throws. Junior Isaac Garrett also posted in double-digits with 16 points, alongside six rebounds and two steals.

Oakland opened the game with a strong inside presence, scoring 20 points in the paint during the first half. Sophomore Nassim Mashhour and Naivalurua were instrumental in the team's early momentum. Naivalurua's successful free throws at 19:04 tied the game early, and his subsequent dunk at 16:11, following a steal, gave Oakland a brief lead.

The Golden Grizzlies showed resilience with key defensive stops and fast breaks, highlighted by Garrett's dunk at 6:10, assisted by Houge. Despite the Cardinals' attempts to catch up, Oakland maintained its edge with efficient free throw shooting, converting nine of 13 attempts. The half concluded with Oakland leading 34–31, having capitalized on fast breaks and second-chance points.

Oakland opened the second half with a strong offensive push, highlighted by Robinson's influence in both scoring and assists. Naivalurua's early free throws and a quick layup by Houge kept the score tightly contested. Oakland then surged ahead with a series of fast-break plays, capitalizing on Cardinals turnovers to build a lead.

As the half progressed, Oakland's defense tightened, forcing multiple turnovers and limiting the Cardinals' scoring opportunities. Garrett and Houge effectively converted steals into points, extending their advantage on the hardwood. Oakland closed the half with a commanding 83-68 lead, including a 12-0 scoring run to outscore the Cardinals 49-37 in the half.

The Golden Grizzlies will hit the court again to face the host of the Blaine Taylor Classic, Montana, inside Dahlberg Arena on Tuesday, Nov. 25, at 9 p.m. ET. The matchup will be live on ESPN+ and on 97.1HD-3/1270am or the Audacy App online with Neal Ruhl on the call.


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.