ROCHESTER, Mich. — Oakland (14-12, 10-5 HL) fell to Youngstown State (13-13, 6-9 HL) 86-82 in a tightly contested Horizon League matchup at OU Credit Union O'rena Thursday evening. Despite leading eight times throughout the game, Oakland could not overcome the Penguins' 12 three-pointers and 18 free throws. Oakland's defense generated 11 steals, but the Penguins' advantage in rebounding, particularly on the offensive glass with 14 boards, proved crucial in the narrow loss.

"It was a really disappointing night, our lack of discipline, our lack of attention to detail, and lack of ability to rebound the basketball when it mattered cost us this game," noted head coach Greg Kampe. "We tried to play six guys, and I think we got really tired. My problem is, is that we rested on defense and not on offense, and that's why we lost the game."

Fifth-year Michael Houge led the scoring with a season-high 21 points, converting 10 of 13 field goal attempts and adding six rebounds. Fifth-year Brett White II contributed 17 points, sinking five three-pointers and collecting two steals, as senior Brody Robinson added 16 points, making three shots from beyond the arc and dishing out at least eight assists for the second consecutive game. Senior Ziare Wells was active defensively with four steals and also scored eight points.

The game began with Oakland and Youngstown State trading early leads, highlighted by Houge's scoring efforts with inside drives the paint. A key moment in the first half for Oakland occurred when Wells' steal at 6:03 led to a quick offensive push that shifted momentum briefly in Oakland's favor. Despite this, YSU maintained its edge by leveraging turnovers and converting free throws. The first half concluded with Oakland trailing, as Robinson's buzzer-beater from the arc narrowed the gap.

The Golden Grizzlies started the second half with Wells' three-pointer, closing the gap to 44–42 at 18:59. Despite the Penguins extending their lead with consecutive baskets, Houge's layup at 17:47 kept Oakland within reach at 50–46. A strong showing from White II, including a critical three-pointer at 8:35, helped trim the deficit to just one point. However, the Penguins maintained their lead, marching on in trading points on the board, and concluding the half with an 86–82 victory.

Looking ahead, the Oakland men's basketball team will face Robert Morris Moon Township, Pennsylvania on Sunday, Feb. 15. Tipoff is set for 2 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.