NORMAL, Ill. - The Golden Grizzlies fell to Illinois State 89-66, at CEFCU Arena, despite a solid showing from beyond the arc, Oakland couldn't keep pace with the post offense of the Redbirds.

Oakland started the game with a strong offensive performance, starting the game hitting four of their first five shots, highlighted by a couple of Angie Smith early layups, and a three-pointer by Lianna Baxter at 7:26, which kept the team's momentum steady.

Filippa Goula's scoring, including a key layup at 4:10, helped Oakland maintain a competitive edge in a quarter that saw 10 lead changes and six ties. Layla Gold's three-pointer at 1:45 briefly put Oakland ahead, marking one of Oakland's four triples in the opening quarter (4-for-8 3FG), but the Redbirds responded swiftly to close the quarter, shooting a blazing 11-for-16 from the field as Oakland trailed 26–22 at the end of the first quarter.

The second quarter opened with a slower pace, and lower offensive marks than the opening frame. Gold provided a spark with a late 3-pointer at 2:01, assisted by Goula, narrowing the gap. However, the Redbirds maintained their lead by exploiting fast-break opportunities and converting free throws, ending the quarter ahead 45-32.

Oakland went just 13-for-33 from the field in the first half, but they were successful from beyond the arc, knocking down six threes (6-for-12 3FG), compared to just two (2-for6 3FG) by Illinois State.

Oakland fought to close the gap in the third quarter with Smith making an early layup and converting a free throw at 9:24, reducing the deficit. Goula's fastbreak layup at 7:29 kept the momentum alive for Oakland, while Jasmine "Jazzy" Dupree-Hebert added a three-pointer at 5:32, further trimming the lead. Smith would do her part in the quarter, scoring seven of her career-high 18 points in the quarter, as Oakland trailed 69–50 with ten minutes left to play.

Oakland attempted to claw their way back into the game in the fourth quarter with a strong effort from the free-throw line, where Smith contributed six points. Despite a late push that included a 3-pointer by Aalyssa Rogers at 1:38 and a fastbreak 3-pointer by Dupree-Hebert at 0:40, Oakland could not overcome Illinois State's consistent scoring in the paint as they outscored the Golden Grizzlies 58-22 in the paint during the game, maintaining their lead securing the win, 89–66.

Smith led Oakland with a career-high 18 points, converting all six of her free throw attempts. Gold contributed 11 points, hitting three of five from beyond the arc and adding two blocks, marking her second consecutive game with multiple blocks. Goula also scored 11 points and recorded three steals. Dupree-Hebert added six points, sinking two of her three attempts from three-point range.

Oakland saw one of their best performances from deep, as nine made threes (9-for-23 3FG) in the game is tied for the second most by Oakland in a game this season.

In their next game, Oakland will face the University of Michigan on Sunday, Dec. 21. Tip-off is set for 2 p.m. at Crisler Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan.