ROCHESTER, Mich. — The Golden Grizzlies opened the season with a statement 90-32 victory over Cleary.
The Golden Grizzlies stepped up big on both sides of the ball, shooting a blazing .507 (36-of-71 FG) and forcing Cleary into 25 turnovers and holding them to .200 (11-of-55 FG) from the field.
Oakland established a commanding lead early in the first quarter, scoring efficiently from the paint and beyond the arc.
Filippa Goula contributed significantly, scoring a layup and a 3-pointer to help Oakland build momentum and kickstart what would balloon to a 20-0 run to give Oakland a 23-3 lead.
The Cougars struggled with turnovers, committing 10 in the quarter, and managed only five points, as Oakland led 27-5 after the first ten minutes. Goula shined in the frame, scoring 10 points on a perfect 4-for-4 FG and knocking down a pair of threes, along with four rebounds. Oakland as a team shot 11-for-21 from the field and knocking down half of their threes (4-for-8 3FG) in the quarter.
Oakland extended their lead in the second quarter with strong performances from
Cali Denson and
Lianna Baxter. Denson opened the scoring with a layup at 9:25 and added a jumper shortly after to keep the momentum as she scored 10 of her career-high 21 points in the quarter. Baxter contributed with a layup at 6:56, assisted by Goula, and later completed a three-point play with 1:17 remaining. The Cougars struggled offensively, managing only two field goals, as Oakland's defense forced five turnovers and grabbed 15 rebounds as they outscored Cleary 21-to-6 in the quarter, taking a 48-11 lead into the half.
The Golden Grizzlies shot an efficient 20-of-39 in the half, while Cleary shot just .154 (4-of-26 FG).
Oakland extended its lead significantly in the third quarter, while also slowing the pace of play, outscoring the Cougars 21-5. Luehring was pivotal, scoring early with a layup at the 9:11 mark and adding another fastbreak layup shortly after.
Sereniti Roberts-Adams contributed with a series of successful plays, scoring seven points in the quarter, including a layup with 28 seconds to cap off a 10-3 run and put Oakland up 69-16.
Oakland would maintain control in the fourth quarter to secure a decisive win over the Cougars, starting the quarter making their first five shots of the quarter, en route to the win.
Denson tallied a career-best 21 points (8-of-11 FG, 4-for-6 3FG). Goula added 12 points (5-for-8 FG), eight rebounds, and three assists. Roberts-Adams and Luehring each tallied 11 points apiece as well.
In their next game, Oakland will travel to face the University of Wisconsin on Wednesday, Nov. 5. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m. ET at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.
