DETROIT, Mich. — The Oakland Golden Grizzlies (12-10, 8-3 HL) secured a 95-87 victory over #MetroSeries rival Detroit Mercy (8-12, 5-6 HL) at Calihan Hall on Saturday. Oakland's offensive effort was highlighted by a strong performance inside, scoring 50 points in the paint, totaling to the most points scored by Oakland inside the arena. The Titans kept the game competitive with 11 three-pointers from the arc, but Oakland's 22 successful free throws out of 26 attempts helped maintain their lead throughout the contest.

"Since Wednesday, we had a couple of really good practices. I told the guys, they're very fortunate that after that debacle, they have this game because this game means so much to us," said head coach Greg Kampe. "Former players who have built this tradition and this big win streak. I even played in this place [Calihan Hall] in the 70's -- this building has been here a long time and it's always one of my favorites to play in. They [Detroit Mercy] probably had their best crowd to date today, despite the weather, and they played really well. I'm happy that we kept this tradition and string alive for another 356 days." 

Senior Ziare Wells netted a season-high of 24 points, hitting a career-high 11 of his 13 field goal attempts and adding three assists. Senior Brody Robinson also tallied 24 points, converting all nine of his free throws and contributing 10 assists for his fourth double-double of the season, marking the second consecutive game Robinson dished out  double-digit assists. Fifth-year Tuburu Naivalurua finished with 16 points and collected eight rebounds off the glass while making all six of his free throw attempts. Fifth-year Michael Houge added 15 points and recorded six rebounds, securing four on the offensive glass.

The Golden Grizzlies opened the first half with a strong offensive push, starting off on the board with a successful layup by Houge at 19:47. The team maintained momentum with consistent scoring in the paint, contributing to their 26 points inside. Wells added to the lead with a three-pointer assisted by Robinson at 16:27, showcasing the Black and Gold's effective ball movement from beyond.

Defensively, Oakland capitalized on turnovers, converting 11 points from opponent mistakes while limiting their own with only two turnovers. Robinson's layup and subsequent free throw with six seconds remaining put Oakland ahead, closing the half with a one-point lead.

Oakland initiated the second half with a strong start, as Naivalurua's scoring efforts quickly extended their lead. Key assists from Isaac Garrett and Robinson facilitated a scoring surge, including a three-pointer by Robinson and a series of layups from Wells. Despite the Titans' attempts to close the gap, Oakland's rebounding and pull in the paint led them ahead the rest of the half.

Drawing fouls inside the paint, OU capitalized on free throw opportunities, with Robinson and Houge contributing from the line to widen the margin. As the half progressed, Oakland's consistent scoring and defensive stops, particularly in the paint, helped fend off the Titans' advances. The game concluded with Oakland retaining a commanding position, leading 95–87 for the 11th straight win at Detroit Mercy.

Oakland will head to Fort Wayne, Indiana, to face off against Purdue Fort Wayne on Wednesday, Jan. 28. Tip-off is set for 7 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.