INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. - The Golden Grizzlies fell to IU Indy 64-57 in a closely contested matchup at The Jungle. Oakland started off the game strong with 24 first quarter points, but went ice cold in the final frame as they couldn't hold on to an early lead.
Oakland started the first quarter with effective play in the paint, scoring 22 of their 24 points from close range.
Filippa Goula facilitated the offense with four assists, contributing to a well-distributed attack.
Sereniti Roberts-Adams and
Makenzie Luehring led the charge with consistent layups, while Oakland's defense forced three turnovers, curbing IUI's scoring opportunities.
A series of scoring exchanges kept the score tight, but Oakland pulled ahead by executing a 6–0 run in the closing minutes. The quarter concluded with a buzzer-beating jumper by Luehring, assisted by Goula, securing a 24–20 lead for Oakland.
Oakland maintained its lead in the second quarter by opening with a series of impactful plays. Goula initiated the quarter with a layup, putting Oakland ahead 26–20.
Layla Gold extended the lead by converting a layup and a subsequent free throw, pushing the score to 29–21. A three-pointer from Goula at the 7:03 mark further increased the margin to 34–21.
Despite some defensive pressure from the Jags, including a block by Sydney Bolden, Oakland continued its scoring efforts with Goula contributing another three-pointer assisted by Luehring, moving the advantage to 37–23. IUI responded, narrowing the gap through free throws and a late three-pointer by Nevaeh Foster, closing the quarter at 40–38 in favor of Oakland.
Oakland opened the third quarter with a quick scoring burst, as
Jazzy Dupree-Hebert's and-one layup set the tone, giving the team an early 43-38 edge. The Golden Grizzlies maintained pressure with Gold hitting a three-pointer at 7:30, extending the lead to 48-44. However, the Jags responded, closing the gap and tying the score 48-48 midway through the quarter.
The latter half of the quarter remained tightly contested. Goula and Gold capitalized on free throws to briefly regain a 52-50 lead. IUI countered with free throws of their own, edging ahead 54-52 with 40 seconds remaining. More free throws by Baxter tied it at 54-54. The quarter ended in a stalemate, setting the stage for a crucial final quarter.
Oakland struggled to find their rhythm in the fourth quarter, managing only 3 points. The team faced difficulties in shooting, converting just 1 of 14 field goal attempts. Despite Gold's defensive efforts, including a steal early in the quarter, Oakland couldn't capitalize offensively.
IUI took advantage of Oakland's shooting woes, increasing their lead through consistent free-throw conversions and points in the paint. Their defensive pressure resulted in multiple blocks and steals, further hampering Oakland's attempts to close the gap. The quarter concluded with IUI leading 64–57, as Oakland was unable to mount a comeback.
Luehring scored 15 points while also recording four assists and two steals. Goula added 14 points, converting six baskets and contributing six assists alongside two steals. Gold recorded 14 points, making five of her 10 shots, and added five rebounds. Dupree-Hebert contributed with three points and pulled down four defensive rebounds.
In their next matchup, Oakland will host Wright State University at the OU Credit Union O'rena in Rochester, Michigan. The game is set for Saturday, Feb. 14 at 2 p.m.
