ROCHESTER, Mich. - The Golden Grizzlies open 2026 with a one-game stand on the Blacktop against Purdue Fort Wayne (PFW), followed by a quick road trip to Youngstown State (YSU), as Oakland looks to earn consecutive wins for the first time this season.

After handing the Robert Morris Colonials their first conference loss in a 61-58 thriller on Dec. 29, Oakland looks to carry over momentum from the big win. In the game, freshman guard Makenzie Luehring set career highs in points (17), assists (8) and made 3-pointers (4), while also adding three steals in a stat-sheet-stuffing performance.

The defensive identity of the Golden Grizzlies continues to grow and solidify as conference play begins. Oakland forced the Colonials into 18 turnovers, marking the sixth time this season it has forced an opponent into 14 or more turnovers in a game. The Golden Grizzlies have also become a premier shot-blocking squad, rejecting four shots at the rim last time out and raising their average to 3.62 blocks per game, which ranks third-best in the conference.

FRIDAY, JAN. 2 VS. PURDUE FORT WAYNE | 6:30 P.M. | ESPN+

The Golden Grizzlies begin the new year with a showdown against the Mastodons (9-5, 3-1 HL).

The reigning conference runners-up are coming off an 88-85 overtime loss to Northern Kentucky in their last game, marking their first conference loss of the season.

In a matchup of highly ranked 3-point-shooting teams, the contest between the Golden Grizzlies and Mastodons is sure to feature fireworks from deep. PFW makes the second-most 3-pointers per game (7.6) and shoots them at the third-most efficient clip (.325) of any team in the conference, while Oakland ranks fifth in made 3-pointers per game (6.3).

PFW is home to the league's top scorer in forward Alana Nelson (17.6 ppg). A top threat from beyond the arc, Nelson also leads the Horizon League in made 3-pointers (36), 3-point percentage (.439) and made 3-pointers per game (2.6), narrowly holding a league lead over Oakland's Cali Denson, who averages 2.4 made 3-pointers per game.

Oakland holds a slight edge in the all-time series against PFW, owning a 13-12 record. However, the Golden Grizzlies are searching for their first win against the Mastodons since the 2022-23 season, having dropped the previous five meetings.

MONDAY, JAN. 5 AT YOUNGSTOWN STATE | 6:30 P.M. | ESPN+

The Penguins (9-4, 3-1 HL) will host the Golden Grizzlies in a one-game road stand. YSU has won three of its last four games, most recently earning a 70-63 win over Cleveland State, as it has climbed the conference ladder early in the season.

Ranking fourth in both offense (67.9 ppg) and defense (60.8 oppg), the Penguins boast one of the most balanced teams in the Horizon League. Similar to the Mastodons, YSU is most dangerous from beyond the arc, shooting .337 from 3-point range.

In 30 all-time meetings, Oakland has won 12 against the Penguins and is looking for its first head-to-head victory over YSU since the 2021-22 season. In the teams' last meeting in February, the Penguins narrowly escaped Rochester with a 52-51 win.

Casey Santoro is the focal point for YSU, leading the team in scoring (13.2 ppg) and assists (3.7 apg). Sophomore Sophia Gregory is also a key contributor, as her 8.2 rebounds per game and nearly one block per contest anchor the Penguins' defense.

Catch both games as the Golden Grizzlies and the Horizon League season swings into full tilt.