Brooke Quarles-Daniels owned the narrative in Oakland’s win against the Green Bay Phoenix at the OU Credit Union O’rena.
With a mere 11 seconds ticking away in the fourth quarter, she put the team on her back and scored the game-winning shot.
The quarter kicked off with both teams showcasing their hot shooting. However, as the pace slowed down, it became a battle of aggression.
A quick foul called on Oakland sent Green Bay freshman Maren Westin to the line, setting the stage for a dramatic turn of events.
She ended up missing both free throws, and Oakland was able to box out and grab the rebound. In a swift play, Kennedie Montue’s timely layup tied the game up at 81, giving her 23 points.
Green Bay’s Natalie McNeal was then fouled and sent to the free throw line, where she also missed both of her free throws, presenting the Grizzlies with a golden opportunity to seal the deal. Surely, it was Quarles-Daniels who not only understood the assignment while doing so but executed it with finesse. She confidently knocked down the silky-smooth jumper, even with three Green Bay jerseys closing in on her.
The OU Credit Union O’rena pulsated with electric energy as the Grizzlies made a huge statement and came out with the win, with a final score of 83-81. Quarles-Daniels reached her career-best of 27 points.
“I knew I had the bucket,” Quarles-Daniels said after the game. “I’ve been feeling it all game. Without my teammates and my coaches supporting me, the bench was amazing, the fans were amazing. It was crazy, we knew we needed this win. We’ve been battling a lot of adversity, and it just means a lot to my team. We’re sisters, we’re family. Glad to be here, man.”
This victory gave Green Bay its first loss in its last 10 games and its first loss in the Horizon League. Throughout the game, the Grizzlies knew what they had to do and applied great defensive pressure, making it hard for them to break their exceptional zone defense.
The game witnessed the Golden Grizzlies’ abilities to exploit opportunities, sticking to their system and remaining true to playing Oakland basketball, even when Green Bay made a run. They held their ground, unleashed their full potential and showed just how resilient of a team they are.
“They’re amazing. I’m so proud of them,” acting head coach Deanna Richard said. “Bottom line is, we defended our little tails off tonight, and at the end of the game, everybody’s like, Brooke downhill, and it works every time. It ended with her having the ball in her hands, and that’s exactly what we wanted. You know who to go to, and it’s money every time.”
It was a big win for Oakland, giving them the momentum that they need as the season progresses and as they continue to find success.
What’s Next?
The Golden Grizzlies will now bring that same fight that they have in them and host Cleveland State University on Thursday, Jan. 25, at the OU Credit Union O’rena. Tip-off is slated for 7 p.m.