ROCHESTER, Mich. — Oakland (5-5, 1-0 HL) edged the Mid-American Conference's Toledo Rockets (5-4, 0-0 MAC) 98-97 in a closely contested game at the OU Credit Union O'rena. Oakland secured the victory with a strong second half after being down and outscoring the Rockets 53-49. Key contributions included 11 steals and 19 points off turnovers, helping offset the Rockets' 44 rebounds. The tense action featured nine ties and 20 lead changes as head coach Greg Kampe and company earned the program's 900th win since starting in 1967.

"If you walk away from this basketball game thinking 'oh my gosh I don't ever want to watch basketball', something's wrong with you," said Kampe. "That was an unbelievable basketball game played by 13-14 players that can really play basketball. Two great programs who let their players play. We beat a really well coached team today. We beat a really good team today."

Senior Ziare Wells scored a season-high 21 points and recorded four rebounds, leading the offensive effort. Senior Brody Robinson tallied 19 points, including three 3-pointers, and contributed six assists. This marked the third consecutive game Robinson has scored at least 19 points and he also achieved a career high with eight field goals. Fifth-year Tuburu Naivalurua added 18 points, with two blocks and two steals, achieving at least 5 total rebounds in three consecutive games, while junior Isaac Garrett posted 11 points and collected eight rebounds while blocking three shots, continuing his streak of scoring at least 11 total points in eight consecutive games.

Oakland began the first half on a strong note, quickly establishing their presence with a layup by Naivalurua followed by an assisted layup from Garrett, setting the score at 4-0. Robinson contributed significantly, hitting two shots beyond the arc early on, keeping the home team in contention. Despite Oakland's efforts, the Rockets' fast-paced play and effective scoring in the paint kept the game tightly contested.

As the half progressed, Oakland demonstrated skillful passes, with Wells and fifth-year Michael Houge capitalizing on assists to keep the team within reach. However, the Rockets maintained a slight edge through consistent scoring and rebounding, managing to close the half ahead as the scoreboard read 48-45 in favor of Toledo by halftime.

The second half saw Oakland capitalize on strong zone defense and timely scoring to maintain momentum. Garrett's defensive block and rebound early on in the half set the tone, followed by Houge's consistent scoring from the free-throw line and in the paint. Oakland's defense was pivotal, with multiple blocks and steals, particularly during a sequence where Wells and Robinson combined for back-to-back fast-break points, pushing Oakland ahead.

Sophomore Nassim Mashhour and Naivalurua contributed crucial points, including a key three-pointer and a fast-break dunk, respectively, to extend Oakland's lead. Despite the Rockets' efforts to regain control, including a brief lead with under two minutes remaining, fifth-year Brett White II and Robinson responded with critical baskets. Wells sealed the half with a decisive layup with 15 seconds left, allowing Oakland to edge the Rockets 98-97 at the end of the half.

After a week off from games, the next challenge for Oakland comes as they travel to Cedar Falls, Iowa, to face Northern Iowa on Saturday, Dec. 13.


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.