ROCHESTER, Mich. — The Oakland Golden Grizzlies (8-8, 4-1 HL) defeated Robert Morris (11-6, 3-3 HL) 96-73 on Sunday on Blacktop in the OU Credit Union O'rena. Oakland capitalized on a strong performance from the free-throw line, converting 33 of 37 attempts, and outscored RMU 48-40 in the paint. The Colonials' effort included five three-pointers, but Oakland's defense forced 10 turnovers, contributing to their commanding victory.

"It's the way it is that we had three road games after that early December game. We've been away from home for a month, I was really concerned that we would have a hard time staying focused and do what we needed to do and I was dead wrong," said head coach Greg Kampe. "Our guys came out. We played with great intensity, the first four or five possessions defensively -- you could see the improvement in our team and what we are doing. We played with a purpose, and when we do that, we are a really good basketball team. And that's what we were tonight."  

Junior Isaac Garrett led Oakland with a career-high total of 30 points, converting all 16 of his free throw attempts, for third-best in Oakland program history, and adding in three steals. His 30 from the floor marks the first Oakland player to shoot 30 points in a regular-season game since Trey Townsend in 2024. Fifth-year Tuburu Naivalurua contributed significantly with 21 points, tying for his season-high on 9-for-11 shooting, while also recording a block and six rebounds as fifth-year Michael Houge posted 11 points and secured seven rebounds, complementing his performance with two steals. Senior Brody Robinson jumped back into double-digit shooting with 11 points, making all eight of his free throws and dishing out five assists, marking the second consecutive game he recorded five or more assists.

Oakland started with a strong offensive effort, with Houge scoring an early jumper assisted by Garrett. Oakland maintained control through effective free-throw shooting on RMU's heavy fouls, converting 20 of 21 attempts, which contributed significantly to their points. Key contributions from big men Naivalurua and Garrett in the paint helped Oakland establish multiple early leads.

Oakland's defense was notable, forcing four turnovers and recording three blocks, including a key block by redshirt-freshman Warren Marshall IV -- his fourth of the season. Garrett's performance was pivotal, as he consistently scored and provided assists, including a stretch of eight straight Oakland points from the Utah native, assisting in extending Oakland's lead throughout the half.

Despite a steady scoring pace from the Colonials, and three made free throws near the end of the buzzer, Oakland closed the half with a substantial lead, ending 51-40.

Oakland opened the second half with momentum, highlighted by Garrett's early three-point play. The team then extended its lead with a quick scoring burst, including a three-pointer from Robinson, bringing the score to 57-42 shortly into the half.

Naivalurua contributed significantly to Oakland's scoring, netting both layups and free throws, while the team's defensive efforts resulted in several turnovers and fast-break opportunities. Oakland maintained control of the half, with fifth-year Brett White II and junior Khoi Thurmon adding to the scoreline, eventually bringing it to 74-54.

In the latter part of the half, Oakland capitalized on RMU turnovers, with senior Ziare Wells and Houge securing points in the paint. Oakland closed the half strong, finishing with a commanding 23-point margin for their most of a Division I opponent this season.

Oakland will stay home for more Horizon League action, playing host to Cleveland State on Friday, Jan. 9, at 7 p.m. ET at OU Credit Union O'rena.


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.