ROCHESTER, Mich. - The Golden Grizzlies routed the Milwaukee Panthers 66-45, with a dominant 44-30 rebounding advantage at the OU Credit Union O'rena. Oakland capitalized on second-chance opportunities, scoring 12 points in that category.
Oakland began the first quarter on fire, draining three consecutive triples, two from
Filippa Goula and one from
Makenzie Luehring at the 7:50 mark. The team showed defensive strength as well in the quarter, forcing five turnovers and gathering seven offensive rebounds, which allowed them to maintain control of the pace.
Despite a push from the Panthers, highlighted by Grace Lomen's 3-pointer to cap off a 12-2 run for Milwaukee, Oakland responded with their own 9-0 run to close the quarter.
Layla Gold's layup and Luehring's jumper extended the lead, while
Angie Smith contributed with multiple assists. Oakland closed the quarter with a floater from Goula with 8 seconds left, leading 20-12.
Oakland capitalized on its defensive strength and efficient offense in the second quarter, increasing their lead, going up double-digits early with a 23-13 lead. Oakland started the quarter 4-for-6 from the field, while holding Milwaukee to just one field goal made in their first seven attempts.
The Golden Grizzlies opened up a 16-3 run during the quarter, using a physical tone of hustle and fast-paced play.
Filippa Goula initiated the momentum with a fast-break 3-pointer at 8:42, assisted by
Makenzie Luehring. Oakland maintained pressure in the paint, with Luehring contributing a key layup at 6:59, extending the lead.
Oakland's defense limited the Panthers to just six points in the quarter and only two made field goals.
Angie Smith added crucial points with successive layups, helping Oakland close the quarter with a near 20-point advantage leading 36-18 at halftime.
The Golden Grizzlies shut down the Panthers offense during the first 20 minutes, holding them to 7-for-25 shooting. Oakland also dominated the boards, grabbing 23 rebounds, 10 more than Milwaukee in the half.
The third quarter began with Oakland extending their lead as
Lianna Baxter started the momentum with a three-pointer assisted by
Angie Smith, pushing the score to 39-20.
Luehring and
Sereniti Roberts-Adams contributed with successful plays in the paint, while Goula added to the lead with a pair of free throws, resulting in a 46-26 advantage.
Another run would keep the pedal to the metal for Oakland, as an 8-0 run, stamped by a
Jazzy Dupree-Hebert three put Oakland ahead 52-26 with a minute and a half remaining in the quarter.
The Golden Grizzlies would end the quarter holding a substantial lead at 52-27, setting a strong position going into the final quarter.
Milwaukee momentarily made a comeback effort, outscoring Oakland 18 to 14, but it was too little too late as Oakland secured the 66-45 win, notching their first home conference win of the season.
Makenzie Luehring scored 17 points, contributed four assists, and collected nine rebounds, including two steals.
Filippa Goula matched Luehring with a career-high 17 points, converting all six of her free throws and sinking three 3-pointers.
Layla Gold added eight points and posted three blocks while grabbing six rebounds. Jasmine "Jazzy" Dupree-Hebert scored six points, making two 3-pointers and securing two rebounds.
In their next game, Oakland will travel to Detroit Mercy on Sunday, Jan. 18. Tipoff is set for 1 p.m. at Calihan Hall in Detroit, Michigan.