ROCHESTER, Mich. - The Golden Grizzlies fell to Green Bay 78-63 at the OU Credit Union O'rena. Oakland put on a solid defensive performance, forcing nine steals and scoring 16 points off turnovers but couldn't overcome the Phoenix's 42 points in the paint.
Oakland started the game with a balanced approach, as
Layla Gold quickly tied the score at 2 with a jumper at 9:27. Despite Jasmine "Jazzy" Dupree-Hebert's crucial 3-pointer narrowing the gap to 8–7 at 5:13, Green Bay jumped out on an 8-0 run, taking a 16-7 lead. Jenna Guyer would nail a three at the buzzer for Green Bay, ending the quarter with the Phoenix ahead 21–9.
Oakland had a strong second quarter, forcing turnovers and converting them into points.
Makenzie Luehring's layup at 6:21, following a steal, helped sway the momentum in the Golden Grizzlies' favor.
Angie Smith converted on an and-one, followed by a
Lianna Baxter three, to help Oakland go on a 6-0 run, trimming the score to 23-34 with 3:14 left in the quarter. Oakland did outscore the Phoenix 18-17 in the quarter, holding the Phoenix without a field goal for the final three minutes of the half, reducing the deficit to 38-27 by halftime.
Despite trailing the half, Oakland forced the Phoenix into six turnovers, scoring 12 points off those turnovers with five steals as well.
Oakland attempted to shift the momentum early in the third quarter with a fast-break 3-pointer by
Layla Gold at 8:14, reducing the deficit momentarily. Despite efforts from Gold and
Sereniti Roberts-Adams contributing in the paint, the Phoenix extended their lead with efficient shooting, going 7-for-10 from the field in the frame as the quarter concluded with the Phoenix ahead, leading 59–40.
Oakland made a strong push in the fourth quarter, having their best quarter of the night. A 3-pointer from
Lianna Baxter at 7:11, helped Oakland claw at the lead as Baxter scored five of the Golden Grizzlies' first eight points of the quarter.
Makenzie Luehring continued to contribute, scoring an and-one layup as well. Oakland would knock down six straight field goals, and go on a 6-0 run to swiftly take control of the momentum.
Despite outscoring the Phoenix 23-19 in the final quarter, Oakland was unable to overcome the earlier deficit falling 78-63.
Smith led Oakland with 14 points (6-for-12 FG), added five assists, and recorded two steals. Baxter contributed 13 points (4-for-11), including three 3-pointers, and collected seven rebounds. Luehring scored 10 (4-for-12 FG) points and recorded three steals while also securing five rebounds.
Jazzy Dupree-Hebert tallied three steals and finished with seven points, tying her season-best mark on the offensive end.
Oakland has a quick turnaround, as they will host Milwaukee on Saturday, Jan. 10. The matchup is set to tip off at 2 p.m. at the OU Credit Union O'rena in Rochester, Michigan.
