ROCHESTER, Mich. — The Oakland Golden Grizzlies (14-10, 10-3 HL) secured a 76-65 victory over Northern Kentucky (14-10, 6-7 HL) on Sunday inside the OU Credit Union O'rena. Oakland trailed by one at halftime but surged ahead with a 47-point second half, aided by 40 points in the paint. NKU struggled from the field, shooting 24-for-73, and despite nine three-pointers, they could not overcome Oakland's defensive pressure, which included seven blocks.

"It's funny how the course of a college basketball season, things can change. We have an All-League level player out, they [NKU] have an All-League level player out and it was a hell of a battle," said head coach Greg Kampe. "You watched us come out in the this building, the first six games we are averaging 100 points in here and tonight we won because of our defense. We are pleased to get the win."

Fifth-year Michael Houge led the team with 18 points and collected 12 rebounds, picking up the double-double and achieving a season-high total of five offensive rebounds. Senior Brody Robinson was a key contributor, scoring 21 points and dishing out six assists as senior Ziare Wells made an impact with three blocks and added in season-high 5 assists. Redshirt-freshman Warren Marshall IV contributed defensively with two blocks, scored eight points, and now picked up at least four rebounds in two straight games.

Oakland opened the half with an early basket by Houge, establishing his offensive pace in the opening minutes. Fifth-year Brett White II contributed a big three-pointer, marking his second consecutive game scoring at least 11 total points, as Wells added a jumper, driving the team ahead by a small margin in the back-and-forth contest. Defensive stops in the paint such as Houge's rebound and a block by White II helped maintain the momentum and keep pressure on the Norse.

As the half progressed, Oakland continued to exchange the lead with NKU, with Robinson hitting first of two three-pointers at the 8:58 mark to keep the home court competitive. Despite several turnovers, Oakland managed to hold a slight edge, with offensive rebounds from Marshall IV and defensive stops by Houge.

The half concluded with Oakland narrowly trailing NKU, 30-29, after a late basket from Northern Kentucky's Donovan Oday shifted the lead.

Oakland seized control in the second half with a strong offensive display. The team capitalized on their opportunities in the paint, amassing 28 points in that area and out-rebounding NKU 22-17 overall. Houge contributed significantly with key defensive plays and scoring, while Robinson and fifth-year Tuburu Naivalurua consistently found the net, extending the lead. After a bounce pass from Robinson to Naivalurua near the corner, the 6-8 big man jammed the ball around the rim for a dunk and his 900th career point as an Oakland Golden Grizzly.

A critical sequence came midway through the half when Oakland strung together a series of successful possessions, including a steal and fast-break layup by Robinson, which prompted a timeout from the opposition. The team maintained their momentum, and a late-game surge, highlighted by Marshall IV's dunk, solidified the score.

As the half concluded, the Golden Grizzlies had successfully widened their lead, ending the game ahead 76-65, ensuring a solid advantage and sweep of the regular season series with Northern Kentucky.

Back on the road, Oakland will head to Cleveland for a showdown against Cleveland State. The game is set for Wednesday, Feb. 4, at 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.