FORT WAYNE, Ind. - The Golden Grizzlies pulled off a much needed late season upset, defeating the Purdue Fort Wayne Mastodons 71-64 on the road. Oakland led by 11 points after the first quarter and secured the win with strong rebounding, totaling 43 boards compared to PFW's 34. Oakland's defense was particularly effective at the perimeter, holding PFW to just 3 made three-pointers on the night, their lowest total of the season.
The first quarter opened with strong offensive play as the Golden Grizzlies quickly established a 12-2 lead through efficient scoring in the paint.
Sereniti Roberts-Adams opened the scoring with a layup, and continued to drive the momentum with consistent finishes inside. Roberts-Adams was in exceptional form, recording a career-high total of 16 points.
Oakland's defense also played a crucial role, forcing two turnovers and recording two blocks.
Lianna Baxter connected on two 3-pointers in the frame as the Golden Grizzlies scored 25 points in the quarter, leading 25–14, capitalizing on seven assists and perfect free-throw shooting.
The Mastodons made a significant push in the second quarter, outscoring Oakland in the paint and on fast breaks. Oakland managed to maintain momentum with a crucial three-pointer by
Filippa Goula at 6:09, and a fast-break three-pointer from
Jazzy Dupree-Hebert at 5:29, extending their lead.
PFW responded with a series of layups and jumpers, closing the gap. Despite
Layla Gold's jumper at the buzzer tying the game, PFW's efforts in the paint allowed them to close the quarter on level terms, with the score tied at 36–36.
Oakland opened the third quarter by establishing momentum with a triple from Gold to retake a brief lead over PFW. Roberts-Adams contributed significantly in the paint, scoring with a tip-in and a layup to maintain Oakland's edge as well.
Despite PFW's attempts to close the gap, including a critical 3-pointer by Alana Nelson, Oakland's defense, highlighted by
Lianna Baxter's block and
Layla Gold's defensive rebound, helped sustain their advantage. In the final minute, another layup by Roberts-Adams extended Oakland's lead to five points. The quarter ended with a slight margin, as PFW's late surge brought the score to 53–52 in Oakland's favor.
Oakland began the fourth quarter by maintaining pressure and leveraging free throws to keep the score close. A 3-pointer from
Makenzie Luehring at 8:15 gave Oakland a slight edge, setting the stage for a competitive final stretch.
As the quarter progressed, Oakland capitalized on key defensive rebounds and efficient free-throw shooting. Goula and Luehring both contributed from the line, extending Oakland's lead to 69–64 with just 26 seconds remaining. The team secured a victory with two more free throws by Goula, closing the game at 71–64.
Makenzie Luehring led Oakland with 17 points, including three 3-pointers, and added a season-high total of nine assists and nine rebounds in a near triple-double effort.
Lianna Baxter recorded a double-double with 10 points and 14 rebounds.
Sereniti Roberts-Adams contributed 16 points, shooting 8-for-12 from the field.
Layla Gold added 10 points and collected four rebounds.
In their next game, Oakland will face Robert Morris University on Saturday, Feb. 21, at 2 p.m. The matchup will take place at the OU Credit Union O'rena in Rochester, Michigan.
