ROCHESTER, Mich. — Oakland (4-5, 1-0 HL) secured a 101-92 victory over the Purdue Fort Wayne (4-6, 0-1 HL) basketball team on Wednesday at OU Credit Union O'rena. Oakland led by nine at halftime and maintained their edge with a balanced attack, including 13 three-pointers and 44 points in the paint. PFW matched the second-half scoring but couldn't overcome the host's early lead.
"This was a game with a lot of three-point shots, a lot of great offensive basketball," said head coach
Greg Kampe. "And there is still a lot of defense that needs to be fixed. I told our guys before the game, we want to be just one point ahead until this things over. It's December and we have to find a way to win, and I feel we did that."
Senior
Brody Robinson led the team with a career-high 27 points, converting four three-pointers and 9 of 14 free throws, while also tying a career-high with seven field goals and dishing out at least eight assists for the third consecutive game. Junior
Isaac Garrett contributed 15 points, shooting 5-for-8 from the field and adding one 3-pointer, alongside four assists. Notably, Garrett has made at least five field goals in seven consecutive games. Sophomore
Nassim Mashhour scored 13 points, including three opening three-pointers, and collected seven rebounds. Fifth-year
Brett White II added nine points, making all three of his 3-point attempts and recording two blocks, while fifth-year
Tuburu Naivalurua has accumulated at least 12 total points in four consecutive games and has totaled at least five rebounds in two straight games with his game tonight.
The game began with Oakland quickly establishing rhythm, fueled by Mashhour's accurate shooting from beyond the arc. Oakland's offensive strategy was bolstered by Robinson, who distributed the ball effectively, leading to multiple scoring opportunities. By the midpoint of the half, Oakland had built a lead through a combination of perimeter shooting and strong interior play.
As the half continued, Oakland maintained its edge by capitalizing on fast break chances and second-chance points. Senior
Ziare Wells contributed significantly with a mix of breakaway dunks and defensive rebounds. Despite the Mastodons' efforts to keep the score close with timely three-pointers, Oakland's consistency in scoring enabled them to close the half with a nine-point lead.
Oakland sustained the momentum in the second half, employing a balanced offensive approach to counter Purdue Fort Wayne's efforts. Fifth-year
Michael Houge, who has scored at least 12 total points in four consecutive games since coming back from injury, added a fast-break dunk early on, assisted by Robinson, establishing an early pace. Garrett's contributions were pivotal, including a series of successful free throws and a three-pointer from the corner, helping Oakland to maintain their lead.
As the half progressed, Oakland capitalized on fast breaks and defensive stops. Robinson and White II each connected on crucial three-pointers, extending the lead further. PFW attempted to close the gap, but Oakland's consistent scoring, capped by late free throws from Mashhour, sealed the half. The game ended with the score locked at 101-92 in favor of Oakland.
The Golden Grizzlies are back for their final home game in December for Military Appreciation Day on Saturday, December 6 for a matchup with Toledo at 3 p.m. ET.
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
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