CLEVELAND, Ohio — Oakland (14-11, 10-4 HL) fell to Cleveland State (10-14, 6-7 HL) 91-78 on Wednesday inside Woodling Gymnasium for the first time in program history. Despite holding a 10-point lead at halftime, Oakland was outscored 59-36 in the second half. The visitors dominated the paint with 44 points, while CSU capitalized on their perimeter shooting, hitting 17 three-pointers.

Fifth-year Tuburu Naivalurua scored 22 points, hitting 10 of 13 field goal attempts, and added two blocks. Senior Brody Robinson tied up with his teammate with 22 points, converting 10 of 12 free throws, recording eight assists, and five boards. Big man fifth-year Michael Houge netted 15 points, marking his fourth consecutive game scoring at least 15 points, and collected nine rebounds while also making two steals. Redshirt-freshman Warren Marshall IV continued his hot streak defensively, with five blocks and grabbed a career-high eight rebounds.

Oakland opened the first half with a strong offensive showing, establishing early momentum with a layup from senior Ziare Wells dished out by Robinson. Naivalurua contributed significantly in the paint, netting multiple key baskets to maintain the lead. Fifth-year Brett White II capitalized on a fast break with a three-pointer at 16:36, extending the early advantage and Oakland's three-point streak.

As the half progressed, Oakland's defense held firm, with Houge securing crucial boards off the glass and contributing on both ends of the court. Robinson played a pivotal role, not only by facilitating the offense with dishing assists but also by scoring efficiently, including a three-pointer at 11:06 that widened the gap. The team consistently converted free throws, with Robinson and Marshall IV contributing from the line to keep the pressure on.

Oakland maintained control towards the end of the half, with Naivalurua and Marshall IV adding points in the paint to extend the lead. A late dunk by Marshall IV, assisted by Robinson, helped Oakland close the half ahead. The team ended the first half with a 42-32 lead against the Vikings.

Oakland began the second half with a strong defensive effort, highlighted by Naivalurua's steal and jumper at 19:25, closing the gap to five points. Robinson contributed with a three-pointer at 18:13, extending Oakland's lead. However, the Vikings responded with multiple three-pointers, including one by Jaidon Lipscomb at 16:43 to narrow the margin.

Midway through the half, White II's three-pointer at 15:30 maintained Oakland's lead at nine points. Oakland's defensive pressure continued with Houge's block and rebound at 13:42, setting up a fast-break opportunity converted by Robinson's free throws to push the score to 60-52. Despite this, CSU's perimeter shooting, including a three-pointer by Tre Beard at 10:46, kept the contest tight.

In the final stretch, Oakland faced a scoring surge from CSU, with the home team taking the lead after Josiah Harris's three-pointer at 5:57. The Vikings expanded their advantage with a series of three-pointers and successful free throws, closing the half ahead. The half ended with the Vikings leading 91-78, as Oakland was unable to regain their earlier momentum.

After the weekend off, the Golden Grizzlies will host Youngstown State on Thursday, Feb. 12. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. ET at the OU Credit Union O'rena 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.