ST. PAUL, Minn. — Oakland earned their first road victory of the season, defeating St. Thomas 68-52, with a strong performance at the free-throw line, converting 26 of 34 attempts. This marked season-highs for Oakland in both attempts and makes from the line. Oakland also dominated the boards, outrebounding the Tommies 39-24.
Oakland began the first quarter with strong offensive play, establishing an early lead through effective shooting and control in the paint.
Lianna Baxter and
Sereniti Roberts-Adams combined for nine points in the opening frame, assisting Oakland in maintaining momentum, while
Cali Denson added two free throws to extend the lead. The Tommies attempted to close the gap, but Oakland's consistent scoring, including a 3-pointer by
Makenzie Luehring, helped maintain their edge. The quarter concluded with Oakland leading 18-15.
Oakland extended its lead with a crucial 9-0 run early in the second quarter, highlighted by a fastbreak 3-pointer from Denson at 7:38, assisted by Luehring. This momentum was reinforced by Baxter's fastbreak layup at 7:03, further widening the gap. Despite the Tommies cutting into the lead with a late surge, Oakland maintained its advantage, ending the half ahead 29-25.
Oakland surged ahead in the third quarter, opening with a layup by
Filippa Goula at 9:51, assisted by Denson. Roberts-Adams added to the momentum with a defensive rebound and subsequent layup at 7:36, widening the gap. This performance marked Roberts-Adams's first career double-double, as she recorded 10 points and a career-high 12 rebounds in her first start of the season. Oakland's defensive pressure forced multiple turnovers, which they converted into points, including a 3-pointer by Denson at 6:40.
The team maintained their advantage with contributions from
Angie Smith and Luehring, further extending their lead.
Layla Gold's pair of free throws at 0:44 and a final 3-pointer at the buzzer capped a 20-point quarter for Oakland. The quarter ended with Oakland leading 49–35.
Oakland solidified their lead in the fourth quarter with a strong performance at the free-throw line, where they converted 13 of 16 attempts. Denson was pivotal, making multiple trips to the line and securing crucial points to maintain their advantage. Denson's performance included a career-high 15 free throws made out of 16 attempts, tying her career-high in points with 21. Gold contributed with a fast-break layup at 3:48, further extending Oakland's cushion.
Despite the Tommies scoring seven baskets in the quarter, Oakland's defensive rebounding and composure helped them withstand the pressure. Roberts-Adams's defensive efforts, including key rebounds, aided in limiting the Tommies' second-chance opportunities. The game concluded with Oakland securing a 68-52 victory.
Denson led all scorers with 21 points and converted 15 of 16 free throws. Roberts-Adams recorded a double-double with 10 points and 12 rebounds. Gold finished with 10 points and added two steals. Goula posted seven assists, contributing to the team's overall performance.
In their next game, Oakland will travel to face Wright State University in their first conference matchup on Wednesday, Dec. 3. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. at the Nutter Center in Dayton, Ohio.
