DETROIT, Mich. — Oakland men's basketball fell 89-75 to Tennessee State in exhibition on Saturday night at Wayne State Fieldhouse as part of the second annual Hoops & Culture event, presented by Wayne State University and the Horatio Williams Foundation.
"The only thing I'm taking from this [game] was not competing down the stretch," said head coach Greg Kampe. "Against a team that would compete for a championship in our league, at our level, went to the NCAA Tournament last year, I saw some really good things and competed until the last seven minutes. There was still some good to take out of the night."
The Golden Grizzlies traded baskets with Tennessee State throughout the opening half, keeping the score tight as both teams looked to establish an offensive rhythm. The game was tied at 26 with just over five minutes remaining in the half before Oakland made a push late in the period. The Golden Grizzlies held a 36-35 advantage with less than a minute remaining, but the Tigers edged in front to take a 40-39 lead into halftime.
Oakland continued to compete coming out of the break, with its perimeter shooting helping keep the contest within reach. Sophomore Ryder Bradley provided a major offensive spark, finishing with a team-high 16 points and four three-pointers while adding four assists and two steals. Juniors Nassim Mashhour and Warren Marshall IV chipped in 12 points apiece, with Mashhour connecting on three shots from beyond the arc and Marshall IV shooting an efficient 5-for-7 from the floor.
Senior RJ Taylor added 10 points, four assists and two steals, while Chris Fields Jr. contributed eight points and eight rebounds, including four on the offensive glass, to go with four assists. Sophomore Hamoudy Mashhour also provided a perimeter threat, making both of his three-point attempts to finish with six points.
The match-up remained competitive into the second half, but Tennessee State gradually built its advantage. The Tigers moved ahead 81-67 with just over four minutes remaining, putting Oakland in foul trouble late. The Golden Grizzlies continued to compete, but Tennessee State maintained its cushion to close out the 14-point victory.
The Golden Grizzlies finished 27-for-56 from the field, shooting 48%, and knocked down 13 three-pointers on 34 attempts. The Golden Grizzlies also recorded 17 assists and 10 offensive rebounds, with Bradley, Marshall IV and Mashhour combining for nine of the team's three-pointers.
Oakland will wrap up the preseason on the road for a final exhibition game against Cincinnati. The game tips off Tuesday, Oct. 27 at 7 p.m. ET at Fifth Third Arena.
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.
