MISSOULA, Mont. — Oakland (3-5, 0-0 HL) defeated Montana (4-4, 0-0 Big Sky), 95-87, at Dahlberg Arena for their second straight win of the season on Tuesday night. Oakland secured the lead with a strong second-half performance, securing 49 points, while shooting 51% and converting 24 points off turnovers through the game. Fifth-year seniors Michael Houge and Tuburu Naivalurua were named to the Blaine Taylor Classic All-Tournament Team, while senior Brody Robinson was the tournament MVP.

"We played back-to-back nights like I wanted, and my gosh Michael Houge shouldn't have even played tonight and he scored the first nine points of the game," said head coach Greg Kampe. "He [Houge] battled his tail off, he was special tonight. Our point guard [Brody Robinson] was the MVP of the tournament and he deserved to be. Another eight assists, he took the game over in the second half and willed us to win and was unbelievable. We are nowhere near where we are going to be, especially defensively. But tonight, we just beat a really good team that played a really good game."

Houge led the team with a season-high 19 points, connecting on 7 of 12 field goal attempts, and recorded three steals. Robinson contributed significantly with a career-high 23 points, making a season-high 13 of 18 free throws, and added eight assists for the second consecutive game, while junior Isaac Garrett posted 14 points while securing nine rebounds and blocking four shots, continuing his streak of scoring at least 14 points in four consecutive games. Naivalurua scored 13 points and collected seven rebounds, adding two blocks to his performance, marking his third consecutive game with at least 13 points.

Oakland started the first half with high energy, gaining an early lead with Houge's tip-in at 19:44 and extending it with a 3-pointer shortly after. Oakland's defense was effective, forcing turnovers and converting them into points, including Garrett's layup at 17:18 and Ziare Wells' fastbreak dunk at 14:26.

Despite Montana's attempts to close the gap, Oakland maintained momentum through offensive plays, highlighted by Robinson's 3-pointer at 2:09, and zone defense. As the half neared closure, Oakland solidified their position with Houge's layup and free throw at 0:49, ending the half ahead 46-43.

The Golden Grizzlies opened the second half with a strong dunk by Naivalurua at 19:30, assisted by Robinson, setting the tone for a competitive stretch. Oakland maintained momentum with a balanced attack, highlighted by Houge's jumper and sophomore Nassim Mashhour's consistent scoring, keeping the game tightly contested.

Oakland capitalized on fast breaks and defensive stops, including a key steal by Robinson at 10:10 leading to a layup, helping to extend their lead. Robinson's performance at the free-throw line in the closing minutes solidified the advantage, ending the half ahead and running out the clock against intentional fouls.

The Golden Grizzlies open Horizon League action next week as they host Purdue Fort Wayne on Wednesday, Dec. 3, at 7 p.m. at the OU Credit Union O'rena.


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.