In a highly competitive Horizon League matchup, the Oakland University Golden Grizzlies women’s basketball team secured a hard-fought 80-70 victory over the Detroit Mercy Titans at Calihan Hall on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2026.
The result marks the team’s second straight win and highlights a balanced offensive performance and late-game dominance that helped Oakland prevail in a fast-paced Metro Series showdown.
From the opening tip, the Golden Grizzlies showed confidence and aggressiveness, quickly establishing offensive rhythm and asserting control in crucial moments. Oakland jumped out early as Angie Smith converted a layup within the game’s first 15 seconds, setting the tone for what would be an energetic and commanding contest.
A standout performance for Oakland came from freshman guard Makenzie Luehring, who led all scorers with a career-high 25 points. Luehring showcased her scoring versatility, consistently attacking from all areas of the court and providing the Golden Grizzlies with momentum-shifting baskets throughout the contest.
Complementing Luehring’s breakout game was forward Layla Gold, who recorded a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds, marking her third such performance this season. Gold’s presence inside helped Oakland control the paint and crash the boards effectively against Detroit Mercy’s defense.
Guard Jazmine “Jazzy” Dupree-Hebert added a spark from beyond the arc, finishing with 10 points, including key three-point shots that helped extend Oakland’s lead at critical junctures. Meanwhile, Filippa Goula contributed 12 points and five assists, making all six of her free-throw attempts and stabilizing the offense during stretches when the lead tightened.
The first quarter was tightly contested, with both teams trading baskets and momentum. Oakland’s early edge, built on sharp shooting and transition play, resulted in a narrow 20-18 lead at the quarter’s end. Throughout the opening 20 minutes, Luehring’s perimeter shooting (4-for-8 from three) and efficient scoring helped keep the Golden Grizzlies ahead, even amid pushes from the Titans.
Detroit Mercy fought back to tie the game in the second quarter, but Oakland responded with crucial plays from Gold and Dupree-Hebert to preserve a slim lead entering halftime. The first half ended knotted at 37-37, setting the stage for a decisive second half.
Oakland’s offense found another gear in the third quarter, turning steady but narrow leads into more comfortable advantages. Luehring connected on another perimeter shot early in the period, and timely baskets from Gold and Lianna Baxter helped fuel a 47-39 advantage late in the quarter. Oakland’s defensive effort also rose, with key steals and stops preventing Detroit Mercy from gaining traction.
The fourth quarter proved decisive, as Oakland outscored Detroit Mercy 26-20 thanks to a series of transition buckets and tough mid-range scoring. Baxter’s layup extended the Golden Grizzlies’ edge early, and back-to-back drives from Sereniti Roberts-Adams pushed the margin even further. Oakland’s balanced scoring and controlled pace helped thwart multiple late rallies from the Titans, allowing the Grizzlies to seal the 80-70 win.
With the victory, the Golden Grizzlies improved their record in Horizon League play and built momentum heading into upcoming conference matchups. Next on the schedule for Oakland is a road contest against Green Bay on Thursday, Jan. 22, where the team will look to extend its winning ways.
The Golden Grizzlies’ balanced scoring, strong defense and ability to execute in the fourth quarter have become hallmark traits of this season’s squad — traits that could prove invaluable as the Horizon League race tightens and postseason aspirations come into focus.