After a challenging 0-3 start against a gauntlet of top-tier opponents (Michigan, Purdue, and Houston), the Oakland Golden Grizzlies returned home to the OU Credit Union O’rena and delivered a dominant 113-47 demolition of the visiting Defiance College Yellow Jackets on Saturday. This performance, though against a lower-division NAIA program (an exhibition contest for Defiance), was precisely the high-paced, high-efficiency outing the team needed to build confidence and refine its execution.
Execution and pace: Full throttle from the tip
From the opening whistle, the game was played at Oakland’s preferred breakneck pace. The Golden Grizzlies were simply relentless on both ends of the floor. Their suffocating full-court pressure resulted in an astounding 21 steals and forced 27 Defiance turnovers, a statistical indicator of the team’s defensive intensity and commitment.
This defensive effort directly fueled their offense, as the team expertly transitioned to fast-break scoring opportunities, accumulating an eye-watering 72 points in the paint. Oakland’s overall offensive efficiency was spectacular, shooting 62.9% from the field en route to a massive 68-21 halftime advantage, putting the game out of reach before the second half even began.
Balanced scoring: Seven players in double digits
The most encouraging takeaway was the extraordinary balance in the scoring column, with seven different Oakland players hitting double figures. This distribution suggests a team with multiple reliable scoring options, a necessity for a long season.
Brett White II was the leading scorer, exploding off the bench for 18 points on an efficient 7-for-11 shooting, including 4-for-8 from deep. White’s ability to get deep, contested three-point shots off is a vital asset, and his perimeter presence effectively draws defenders, creating significant space for his teammates to operate inside.
Tuburu Naivalurua had a nearly flawless performance, scoring 17 points on a perfect 8-for-8 from the field, showcasing incredible efficiency and poise in the post.
Brody Robinson was the orchestrator of the offense, displaying his expected efficient ball handling and facilitation. The Defiance guards were no match for his explosiveness and twitch, as he racked up 17 points and dished out five assists without a single turnover.
Warren Marshall IV made a much-needed return, shooting an efficient 5-for-8 from the field for 12 points. Marshall looked to have a refined game, providing a crucial scoring outlet off the bench. He also displayed a gritty, smart defensive presence, tallying four steals by consistently getting into passing lanes.
The emergence of Nate Deer was another major highlight. The Texas State transfer exploded in the matchup, securing the first NCAA double-double for Oakland this season with 11 points and 10 rebounds. His superior boxing out, an improvement over previous matchups, was evident and provided the team with a much-needed physical presence on the glass.
Ziare Wells appears to be a killer in transition, utilizing his explosive ability to score 13 points and grab seven rebounds, showcasing his potential as a dynamic, two-way player.
Finally, Isaac Garrett rounded out the strong performances with an excellent all-around outing, contributing 11 points, six rebounds, three assists, two steals, and one block.
Looking ahead: The UCF Knights test
This positive result provides a vital injection of confidence as the Golden Grizzlies prepare to go back on the road to face the UCF Knights (3-1) tonight. The Knights represent a massive step up in competition, but their roster has been heavily shaken up by the hectic transfer portal, much like Oakland’s, meaning this is a vulnerable Big 12 opponent.
Oakland’s next challenge will be to translate the execution, pace, and individual brilliance seen against Defiance into a performance that can challenge UCF. If the Golden Grizzlies can maintain their defensive intensity and the balanced, efficient offense from their win, they have a genuine chance to pull off an upset against a Knights team that is still finding its identity