FORT WAYNE, Ind. — Oakland (13-10, 9-3 HL) stays set in second place in the Horizon League after securing a 74-65 victory over Purdue Fort Wayne (13-9, 7-4 HL) Wednesday evening inside the Gates Sports Center. Oakland used a strong performance in the paint, outscoring their opponent 36-20, and maintained control with 46 total rebounds. PFW hit 13 three-pointers but struggled from the free-throw line, converting just four of seven attempts against Oakland's tamed defense.

"I'm really proud of the score tonight. At our place it was [101 to 92] or something like that. We were shorthanded and we just gutted this thing out," said head coach Greg Kampe. "We held off the run and we held them to 65 points in their own building, playing pretty flawless defensively. Buru [Naivalurua] made some big plays, Z [Ziare Wells] had an unbelievable offenisve rebound basket late that really was the seal on the coffin that won the game for us tonight."

Fifth-year Michael Houge recorded a double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds, including two off the offensive glass. Fifth-year Brett White II added 13 points, including three three-pointers, while also collecting a season-high total of 11 rebounds for his first Oakland career double-double of the season, as fifth-year Tuburu Naivalurua matched his teammate with 13 points and contributed defensively with two blocks and two steals. Senior Brody Robinson, who has recorded at least 13 total points in three consecutive games, finished with 13 points and was effective at the free-throw line, converting seven of 10 attempts, marking the second consecutive game he has converted at least seven free throws as he leads the nation.

Oakland initiated play with a strong start, capturing an early 4–0 lead through efficient scoring in the paint. As the half progressed, White II connected on a fast-break three-pointer at 16:29, momentarily pushing the team ahead. The Mastodons responded with a series of three-pointers, but Oakland maintained pressure, highlighted by a three-point play by Naivalurua, which tied the game at 26–26.

In the latter stages, junior Khoi Thurmon hit a crucial 3-pointer against his former team to edge Oakland ahead. The Golden Grizzlies continued to exert defensive pressure while capitalizing on PFW's turnovers. White II's three-pointer at 3:40 extended Oakland's lead, and a late three-pointer by senior Ziare Wells ensured Oakland entered halftime with a slight edge. The half concluded with Oakland taking a two-point lead.

The second half began with Naivalurua scoring a layup, assisted by White II, to extend the Golden Grizzlies' lead. Oakland maintained the advantage through a fast-paced offense, including Houge's layups and a three-pointer from White at 11:44, pushing the score to 53-49 in favor of the visitors.

Oakland's defense was active, with Naivalurua and others making significant stops, as the team capitalized on turnovers. The half saw Oakland's lead grow as they managed a scoring run that included a fast-break dunk by Naivalurua, elevating the score by a big four points and gained momentum near the end.

In the closing minutes, Robinson's three-pointer at 0:57 and subsequent free throws helped seal the half with Oakland leading 74-65. The team outscored PFW 34-27 in the half, maintaining control throughout.

The Golden Grizzlies are back inside the OU Credit Union O'rena to host Northern Kentucky on Sunday, Feb. 1. Tipoff is slated for 3 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.