ROCHESTER, Mich. - The Golden Grizzlies secured a thriller of a victory over Robert Morris, winning 71-61 behind a major second half comeback led by guards
Makenzie Luehring and
Filippa Goula. Oakland outscored RMU 49-31 in the second half, capitalizing on 14 assists and held a 37-32 rebounding edge, while limiting their turnovers to just eight.
Oakland started the first quarter strong, establishing an early rhythm with a layup by
Sereniti Roberts-Adams at 8:02, following a steal.
Makenzie Luehring contributed significantly with a layup and subsequent free throw, giving the team a brief lead at 5:52. Luehring, who has collected 8 or more rebounds in 2 straight games, also played a key role under the boards. Oakland's defense was active, generating three steals, but they faced challenges on the boards, trailing in total rebounds 12–7.
Despite maintaining pressure, Oakland was unable to sustain its lead as the Colonials capitalized on key opportunities, including a three-pointer by Myriam Traore at 2:12. The quarter concluded with Oakland trailing 17–11, as the Colonials closed on a 6–0 run.
Oakland opened the second quarter with a defensive stop, highlighted by
Layla Gold's block at 9:41, setting the tone for a competitive stretch.
Filippa Goula facilitated scoring opportunities, assisting on
Makenzie Luehring's layup and Jasmine "Jazzy" Dupree-Hebert's 3-pointer, narrowing the gap early in the quarter. Despite these efforts, RMU maintained their lead through consistent scoring, including a 3-pointer by Jada Lee.
Oakland continued to battle as
Layla Gold contributed both offensively and defensively, converting a layup at 6:08 following her own steal. The team struggled to close the gap further as RMU extended their lead with a series of baskets, including a fastbreak jumper by Eva Levingston.
Filippa Goula managed to end the quarter on a positive note with a 3-pointer at 00:29. The quarter concluded with RMU leading 30–22.
Oakland surged in the third quarter with a strong offensive effort, highlighted by
Makenzie Luehring's sharp shooting. Luehring connected on four 3-pointers, including a go-ahead basket with 53 seconds remaining, propelling Oakland to regain momentum. She recorded a season-high 11 field goals made during this game. The team capitalized on key defensive rebounds, with
Lianna Baxter and
Sereniti Roberts-Adams each contributing significant boards.
Oakland's offense outpaced the Colonials, scoring 25 points in the quarter behind 6-6 shooting from Luehring, including five made threes, while limiting its opponent to 15 points. The quarter concluded with Oakland holding a slim 47–45 lead, setting up a tense final quarter.
Oakland opened the fourth quarter with a strong offensive showing, taking advantage of key opportunities in the paint.
Filippa Goula and
Makenzie Luehring contributed significantly, with Goula hitting a three-pointer at 4:31 to extend Oakland's lead to 62–51. The team's defensive rebounds limited RMU's second-chance opportunities.
Despite a couple of scoring efforts from the Colonials, Oakland maintained control by converting crucial free throws and securing defensive stops.
Layla Gold added a layup at 2:25, further solidifying the lead. In the final minutes, Oakland's consistent shooting from the line, with
Lianna Baxter and
Filippa Goula capitalizing on free throw opportunities, secured the 71–61 victory.
Makenzie Luehring scored 31 points, including six 3-pointers, and added eight rebounds and five assists. She becomes the first Horizon League player with two 30+ point games this season.
Filippa Goula contributed 16 points, converting six of 12 field goals, and registered five rebounds and four assists.
Layla Gold recorded two steals and scored six points, while
Sereniti Roberts-Adams added six points and five rebounds.
Looking ahead, Oakland will host Northern Kentucky University on Wednesday, Feb. 25. The matchup is set for 6:30 p.m. at the OU Credit Union O'rena in Rochester, Michigan.