On Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, the Oakland University women’s basketball team faced off against Cleveland State in the OU Credit Union O’Rena, and despite generating one of its strongest defensive performances of the season, the Golden Grizzlies fell 72-55.
The Grizzlies forced 21 turnovers and held the Horizon League’s top scorer to a season low, but offensive droughts ultimately proved costly against the Vikings’ scoring.
Oakland opened the game with high energy on the defensive end, setting an early tone with strong pressure on the ball. Lianna Baxter recorded a block less than two minutes in, and Makenzie Luehrig stole the ball and transitioned into a bucket to put the Grizzlies on the board.
As the first quarter unraveled, the Grizzlies found their rhythm from beyond the arc. Laya Gold connected on a 3-pointer at the 7:18 mark, and Luehrig buried another 3-pointer late in the quarter to cut their deficit down to five. Moments later, Cali Denson marked Oakland’s third 3-pointer of the quarter, helping the Grizzlies stay within distance as they trailed 17-13.
Denson continued her consistent shooting from deep, finishing with 14 points and going 4-for-6 from the 3-point line. The game marked another multi-3-pointer outing for the sophomore, who remains the Horizon League’s most reliable perimeter threat.
Oakland stayed persistent in the second quarter, as Luehrig and Denson provided early offense to keep the deficit manageable. Gold added a steal and a block during the stretch, but scoring opportunities tightened as Cleveland State controlled the interior and rebounded effectively. Brooke Smith offered a lift late in the quarter, knocking down a timely 3-pointer and a midrange jumper to trim the deficit, but the Grizzlies entered halftime trailing 36-24.
Coming out of halftime, the Grizzlies’ defensive pressure deepened. Oakland forced six turnovers and two steals in the third quarter, creating one of its most aggressive stretches of the game. Denson opened the half with a 3-pointer and then added two free throws, while Luehrig contributed a steal and an assist to maintain the momentum.
Cleveland State responded with key baskets from Macey Fegan and continued to attack the lane, but Oakland countered by getting to the free-throw line. The Grizzlies went 15-for-21 from the line, marking the third time this season they have made at least 15 free throws while attempting more than 20. Oakland outscored the Vikings 16-14 in the third quarter and cut the deficit to 10, going into the fourth trailing 50-40.
Oakland looked focused for a potential comeback early in the fourth when Sereniti Roberts-Adams converted an and-one layup to bring the Grizzlies within nine points. But Cleveland State quickly regrouped, leaning heavily on Izabella Zingaro, who posted a dominant 22-point, eight-rebound performance in the paint. Point guard Jada Leonard added a game-high 23 points on 8-for-11 shooting, consistently finding flaws in transition and half-court sets. The Vikings’ efficiency helped them pull away late, handing the Grizzlies a 72-55 loss.
Despite the loss, many Golden Grizzlies turned in noteworthy performances. Luehrig finished with 13 points, four assists, four rebounds and a game-high three steals. Jazmine Dupree-Hebert added three steals during her 19 minutes, giving a steady defensive presence.
The Golden Grizzlies will look to regroup as they go on the road to face Loyola University Chicago on Monday, Dec. 15, at noon.