ROCHESTER, Mich. — Oakland (16-15, 12-8 HL) fell to Detroit Mercy (15-14, 12-8 Horizon) in a narrow 95-89 defeat in the second game of the #MetroSeries at the OU Credit Union O'rena on Saturday. Oakland rallied with 47 second-half points, closing the gap after trailing by seven at halftime. Despite a strong performance, including 10 three-pointers and 20 fast-break points, Oakland was unable to overcome the Titans' advantage at the free-throw line from drawn fouls.

Fifth-year Tuburu Naivalurua led the team with 24 points, converting nine of 12 shots from the field and adding two three-pointers. Senior Brody Robinson contributed significantly with 19 points and nine assists while going nine for 10 from the free-throw line, marking his third consecutive performance recording at least 19 total points. Fifth-year Brett White II finished with 17 points, making five three-pointers and picking up six boards. Junior Isaac Garrett added 15 points and six rebounds, successfully hitting all three of his free-throw attempts.

Oakland opened the first half with a balanced attack, matching the Titans' scoring pace initially. Naivalurua contributed significantly, including a key three-pointer to level the score early on for his career 1,000th Oakland point. Yet, despite consistent contributions from Oakland's bench, turnovers became a challenge, allowing the Titans to capitalize and build a lead.

In the latter half of the period, White II's two three-pointers and Robinson's fastbreak layup helped Oakland keep the score competitive. However, the Titans maintained their edge through efficient shooting and free throws at the line. The half ended with Oakland trailing by seven, as redshirt-freshman Warren Marshall IV closed with a three-point play, narrowing the gap slightly going into the next half.

Oakland utilized a strong offensive push midway through the second half, highlighted by a sequence of three-pointers and fast breaks. White II and Robinson each connected from beyond the arc, sparking a scoring surge that brought the score to 62–61 in favor of the home team at 14:24. The home team's defense, led by Garrett's crucial block, helped maintain momentum during this stretch.

Despite the efforts, the Titans countered with consistent scoring, including a pivotal three-pointer and free throws in the final minutes. The visitors managed to extend their lead late, ultimately closing the half ahead at 95–89.

As the regular season concluded, Oakland will host the a first-round game of the 2026 Barbasol Horizon League Tournament as the No. 4 seed. With one more regular-season league game to go, the Golden Grizzlies will either face Purdue Fort Wayne or Northern Kentucky on the Blacktop on March 4 at 7 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.