DAYTON, Ohio — Oakland (6-8, 2-1 HL) fell to Wright State (7-7, 2-1 HL), 88-73, inside the Nutter Center on Monday night. Despite a balanced scoring effort, Oakland was unable to overcome a 12-point halftime deficit. The Raiders capitalized on shooting, hitting 31 of 55 attempts from the field, including nine three-pointers. Oakland managed to score 34 points in the paint but was unable to close the gap in the second half despite a seven-point run.

"I think you also have to step back and give Wright State a lot of credit. You always analyze yourself and get mad, but you have to say that they played really good and made everything," said head coach Greg Kampe. "I've been around long enough to know, it's a long season and you're going to have some games like this where we weren't ready. It's one hurdle that we knocked over and there's a lot of good for me that we battled. I like my team."

Senior Brody Robinson led the team with 27 points -- tying his career-high this season -- converting five from beyond the arc and making 10 of 13 free throws. Fifth-year Tuburu Naivalurua added on 18 points for the second consecutive game, connecting on six field goals and securing seven rebounds, while fifth-year Michael Houge posted his first Golden Grizzly double-double, recording 13 points and collecting a season-high 12 rebounds. 

Oakland began the first half with an early jumper from Houge to establish a quick start. Despite an efficient offensive effort, including contributions from Robinson and junior Isaac Garrett, Oakland struggled to maintain momentum against WSU's sharp shooting from beyond the arc. 

The Golden Grizzlies managed several scoring drives, highlighted by a three-pointer and consistent throws from the line from Robinson. Late in the half, the team narrowed the deficit slightly with a layup and free throw by Naivalurua, ending the first half trailing by 12.

The second half began with a significant defensive stop by Naivalurua, who blocked a shot, setting the tone for Oakland's zone and gaining the turnover. Despite WSU's strong performance in the paint, Oakland managed to keep pace by capitalizing on fast breaks down the court, scoring 10 points in transition. Naivalurua was instrumental offensively, contributing in the half with timely layups and drawing fouls into free throws.

Robinson added to the momentum with crucial shots from downtown and continuous free throws, maintaining pressure on the Raider's defense. Oakland's persistent efforts in rebounding, particularly on the offensive glass, helped them stay in it in the paint. Despite conceding 37 points in the half, Oakland closed the game trailing by a narrow margin, with the score standing at 88-73 in favor of the home team.

Oakland heads back on the road with a trip to Youngstown, Ohio, to face Youngstown State on New Year's Day, Thursday, Jan. 1. Tip-off is set for 1 p.m. ET on ESPN+.


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.