MOON TOWNSHIP, Penn. — Despite forward Isaac Garrett making a return back from injury, Oakland (14-13, 10-6 HL) fell to Robert Morris (18-10, 10-7 HL), 93-69, at the UPMC Events Center Sunday afternoon. Oakland stayed competitive through the first half, trailing by just four points at halftime. However, RMU outpaced Oakland in the second half, outscoring 51-31. Oakland's scoring efforts were led by its 20 points from the free-throw line and 30 points in the paint.

Senior Ziare Wells scored 19 points and recorded three steals as senior Brody Robinson added 16 points and dished out seven assists, marking his fourth consecutive game with at least 16 total points. The junior Garrett collected seven rebounds and contributed a block in his first game in three weeks. Fifth-year Michael Houge finished with 11 points and four rebounds before fouling out, continuing his streak of double-digit points in seven consecutive games.

The Golden Grizzlies opened the game strong, capitalizing on an early turnover by the Colonials to score first with fifth-year Tuburu Naivalurua's free throws. Robinson had a significant impact with a steal and fastbreak layup, contributing to Oakland's quick responses to the Colonials' scoring attempts. Oakland maintained a close contest, highlighted by Wells's layup to tie the score at 17.

The half continued with Oakland's Brett White II nailing a three-pointer to level the score at 15:00, and Houge contributing with consistent inside scoring. Despite a few turnovers, Oakland's defense forced RMU into several missed shots, allowing Oakland to stay within a striking distance. A late tip-in by Naivalurua closed the half with the visitors trailing by four.

Greg Kampe's Golden Grizzlies began the second half with an attempt to close the scoring gap, highlighted by White's early three-pointer at 17:45, reducing the deficit to 48-41. Naivalurua contributed with a slam at 14:48, maintaining the offensive push. Wells and Robinson combined for a sequence of fastbreak points, with Wells converting a dunk at 11:04, narrowing the game to seven points.

Despite Oakland's efforts, the Colonials consistently responded, extending their lead with a series of successful shots from the field and free throws. Houge's layup and free throw at the 9:00 mark kept Oakland within reach at 64-57, but RMU maintained their scoring pace. Late in the half, MJ Yeager hit a fastbreak three-pointer at 1:10 for his second basket of the season, but Oakland closed the half unable to overcome the deficit established by Robert Morris.

The Golden Grizzlies are back in the OU Credit Union O'rena for a two-game home stretch, first playing host to Green Bay on Friday, Feb. 20 on the Blacktop. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. 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.