ROCHESTER, Mich. – The Oakland Golden Grizzlies are set to open Horizon League play on the Blacktop with a Wednesday night match up with Purdue Fort Wayne on Wednesday, Dec. 3 at 7 p.m. inside the OU Credit Union O'rena.
The Golden Grizzlies (3-5, 0-0 HL) swept both games at the Blaine Taylor Classic in Missoula, Montana last week, taking home first-time victories against Lamar and Montana.
In a 83-68 decision against Lamar on Monday, 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. Senior Michael 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.
Against the home team, Montana, to cap off Thanksgiving week, Oakland earned the victory with a strong finish for a 95-87 final score. 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 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 is 3-2 in its last five conference season openers, with all three wins occurring on their home court.
Tip-off in Rochester will be available to watch on ESPN+ with The Voice of the Golden Grizzlies Neal Ruhl (PxP) and Darryl Jacobs (Color) on the call. They both will also be on the radio call on 97.1HD-3/1270am or the Audacy App online.
As a reminder to fans, because of repairs to the University's high-temperature hot water system, a section of Pioneer Drive from Ravine Drive to the entrance to Parking Lot 17 is currently closed to traffic. P17 and the North VIP entrance into OU Credit Union O'rena are also closed.
Parking for athletic events is available in P16, P26, or P29 (parking garage off of Pioneer Drive). Spectators can only enter the OU Credit Union O'rena through the main entrance on the southwest side from Pioneer Drive.
The air temperature in OU Credit Union O'rena may be slightly colder than previous basketball games. Should any changes arise, updates will be shared through GoldenGrizzlies.com and social media platforms.
SCOUTING THE MASTODONS
Purdue Fort Wayne is coming off of a 33-point victory over Holy Cross (Ind.) last Friday, to secure a 4-5 overall record in the 2025-26 season. Their lone Division I win has come against Chicago State on Nov. 25, as they have also had matchups with big opponents such as Ohio State and Utah this season. Now as the third-longest tenured head coach in the Horizon in his 12th season, Jon Coffman and the Mastodons are led by Corey Hadnot II (18.0 ppg) and DeAndre Craig Jr. (14.8 ppg) so far in the season.
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.
