HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. - The Golden Grizzlies narrowly fell to Northern Kentucky in a final-minute thriller on the road, 77-76, in a tense league matchup at Truist Arena. 

Oakland began the game with a focus on scoring in the paint, with Lianna Baxter's tip-in narrowing the early gap. Filippa Goula contributed with a fast-break layup and a subsequent free throw, sparking a brief momentum shift. Goula, who scored a season-high 22 total points, was instrumental in keeping Oakland competitive. Oakland managed to keep pace with the Norse by hitting crucial shots, including a three-pointer by Jasmine "Jazzy" Dupree-Hebert as the quarter winded down.

Despite Oakland's efforts, the Norse maintained a steady pace, capitalizing on turnovers to extend their lead. Makenzie Luehring's layup and an assist to Goula for a three-pointer helped Oakland close the gap. Luehring, who had a career-high total of 26 points, marked her fourth straight 20-point game in this one. Oakland finished the first quarter trailing by five points, with a score of 25-20.

Oakland began the second quarter with a determined effort, highlighted by Layla Gold's 3-pointer at 7:46, assisted by Dupree-Hebert, temporarily narrowing the gap. Despite the offensive push, Oakland struggled to maintain defensive pressure, allowing the Norse to capitalize on turnovers and extend their lead.

Luehring contributed a fast-break 3-pointer at 3:59, attempting to close the deficit. Oakland's defense, however, faced challenges, allowing NKU to score consistently in the paint and from the free-throw line. As the quarter ended, Oakland trailed with a score of 44-32, as the Norse added a late three-pointer to their advantage.

Oakland began the third quarter with a strong offensive push, highlighted by Baxter's three-pointer at 9:47, assisted by Goula. This momentum continued as Oakland went on a scoring run, cutting the deficit to 44–40 with Luehring's layup at 8:03. Goula contributed significantly, adding a three-pointer and two free throws as a part of a 12-point quarter, bringing the score tighter at 46–42.

Oakland maintained pressure, with Luehring and Dupree-Hebert each connecting from beyond the arc, narrowing the gap to 52–47. In the final minutes, Goula nailed a fast-break three-pointer at 2:00 brought Oakland within one point, 55–54. Despite taking a brief lead after Luehring's two free throws at 0:58, NKU edged ahead with a late layup and free throws, closing the quarter with a 59–56 advantage. Oakland outscored NKU 24–15 in the quarter but entered the final quarter trailing by three.

Oakland entered the fourth quarter trailing the Norse, managing to keep the game competitive with effective free-throw shooting. Luehring contributed significantly from the line, making six free throws to help Oakland stay within reach. Sereniti Roberts-Adams also added a crucial layup to extend the lead momentarily.

Aalyssa Rogers and Goula both hit crucial floaters in the final two minutes of play, keeping the game as a seesaw affair. Oakland briefly regained the lead late in the quarter with Layla Gold adding free throws, yet NKU responded with a late 3-pointer by Karina Bystry.

In the final moments, a tie was broken when Anna Hamilton converted an and-one, putting NKU ahead. Oakland's attempt at a last-second jumper fell short, and the game concluded with the Norse edging out a 77–76 victory.

Luehring scored 26 points, connecting on 7 of 19 shots and converting 11 of 12 free throws. Goula added 22 points, making 8 of 12 shots from the field, including three 3-pointers, and recorded two steals. Roberts-Adams contributed with 11 rebounds, grabbing four offensive boards and seven defensive. Dupree-Hebert scored 7 points and made two 3-pointers, alongside one steal and one assist, while Roberts-Adams grabbed a season-high 11 rebounds.

In their next game, Oakland will host Detroit Mercy on Saturday, Feb. 7. The matchup is set for 1 p.m. at the OU Credit Union O'rena in Rochester, Michigan.