Oakland’s hard work against a brutal nonconference schedule is officially paying off. In a thrilling I-75 rivalry showdown that tested Oakland’s grit and composure, the Golden Grizzlies (6-5, 1-0 HL) narrowly escaped the Toledo Rockets (5-4, 0-0 MAC) with a dramatic 98-97 home victory on Saturday.
The victory is monumental: it marks the program’s 900th win under coach Greg Kampe, extends the Grizzlies’ winning streak to four games and — most significantly — gives Oakland its first winning record of the season at 6-5. This early-season turnaround proves Oakland’s ability to win under duress, a trait that could be massive in terms of leveraging its position in the Horizon League to win the postseason tournament.
Ziare Wells: The clutch masterclass
Oakland overcame multiple deficits, including an 11-point hole, throughout the chaotic game that saw 20 lead changes. The final victory was sealed by the heroic effort of Ziare Wells. Wells delivered a masterclass performance, hitting the game-winning jumper with just seconds remaining.
The aggressive move saw him bump off his defender and finish through contact near the basket, highlighting his athleticism and willingness to get inside when the game was on the line. With a season-high 21 points on 9-for-14 shooting, this was arguably his best game all season. The victory showed a team that simply doesn’t give up down the stretch, a crucial mental edge.
Brody Robinson: Efficiency amidst physicality
Brody Robinson delivered another masterclass in offensive control, contributing 19 points and leading the team with six assists. Robinson was highly efficient, shooting 8-for-14 from the field and hitting three 3-pointers.
The quality of the opponent created new challenges. Robinson didn’t get to the line as often, a difficulty stemming from the increased quality of the opponent and the difficulty of driving in the paint and maintaining body control, especially given that he is undersized. Despite this, Robinson contributed significantly on defense with two steals. His defensive contributions showcase how quickly he has learned the Oakland zone defense and is able to intercept passes within passing lanes and chase loose balls.
Frontcourt versatility and defensive stops
Oakland’s frontcourt demonstrated crucial two-way versatility, though not without significant physical challenges.
Michael Houge played a dominant role, particularly on the defensive end. He came up with an important stop on the last play of the game to prevent Toledo from winning, shutting down a relatively good look at the basket after Wells hit his shot.
Isaac Garrett also proved his commitment as a team player. Garrett came up with one steal and three blocks and displayed good vision and feel passing-wise, continuing to show his versatility on both ends of the court. Meanwhile, Tuburu Naivalurua added a smooth, versatile performance of 18 points, complementing the play of his fellow frontcourt players.
Rebounding concerns and second-chance efficiency
Despite the thrilling win, a key concern remains: box-out discipline. The Grizzlies were out-rebounded by 16 overall (44-28). The team allowed Toledo to grab 17 offensive rebounds, while Oakland managed only seven.
Crucially, however, the stats reveal Oakland’s defensive composure and efficiency. Even with a massive advantage of 17 offensive rebounds, Toledo only converted them into 16 second-chance points. In contrast, Oakland made the most of its limited opportunities, scoring 14 second-chance points off seven offensive rebounds. This near-equal scoring total, despite a 10-rebound deficit on the offensive glass, highlights the Grizzlies’ ability to lock down Toledo on second looks and their efficiency in converting bonus possessions into points.
A tough game against a gritty Rockets squad
The win was especially hard-earned given the high-level play of the Toledo Rockets. Freshman guard Leroy Blyden Jr. led the Rockets with 20 points, having played exceptionally well lately. Blyden Jr. is quickly proving why he is regarded as one of the best freshmen in the country, coming into the game averaging 14 points, 5.5 assists, 2.5 steals and 2.1 rebounds per contest.
Other Toledo players who stood out included Sean Craig, who secured a strong double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds, and Sonny Wilson, who finished with 16 points and seven assists. The physical presence and 16 points from Kyler Vanderjagt were also tough for the Grizzlies to contain. It took a dedicated, complete team effort to overcome a talent-filled squad and secure the pivotal 98-97 victory.
Final word
This gritty 98-97 triumph was not simply a narrow escape; it was the full realization of Kampe’s ambitious scheduling strategy. While the Golden Grizzlies absorbed losses early in the season against titans like Michigan, Houston and Purdue, those battles against elite competition were the furnace in which Oakland’s grit was forged.
By consistently forcing the squad to operate at a championship level, the early losses served as invaluable, high-stakes lessons. The team now possesses a profound competitive clarity — it knows exactly what it takes to perform against the nation’s best and, critically, it knows it can match up. This confidence and battle-tested poise are the dividends now being paid in the form of crucial, character-defining victories.