Oakland Golden Grizzlies Dominate Cleveland State
The Oakland Golden Grizzlies delivered an impressive performance against Cleveland State, winning 97-74 in a Horizon League showdown. The victory was powered by a stellar second half, where Oakland scored 52 points, showcasing their strength on offense, especially in the paint with 46 points and 21 points on fast breaks.
Head coach Greg Kampe emphasized the importance of playing to their strengths, saying, “Sometimes the best coaching is just stepping back and letting good players play.” This mindset allowed the team to shine.
Senior Ziare Wells led the charge, netting a season-high 23 points on 10-of-17 shooting, alongside eight rebounds and three steals. Fifth-year player Michael Houge also made a mark with a double-double, scoring 18 points and grabbing 10 rebounds, while junior Isaac Garrett contributed another double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds.
The game began with an initial deficit, but Wells’s quick points helped shift the momentum. By halftime, Oakland was ahead 45-27, thanks to solid ball movement and pressure on defense.
In the second half, Oakland maintained their lead with effective scoring and quick plays. They capitalized on turnovers, turning them into points and showcasing their depth with contributions from various players.
Freshman MJ Yeager scored his first collegiate points with a three-pointer near the end, further solidifying the Grizzlies’ dominance.
The win sets the stage for their next game against Wright State, which will be broadcast on ESPN2. As they prepare, it’s worth noting that teams in similar situations last season often saw a boost in morale and performance from such commanding wins.
Statistically, successful teams typically rely on effective ball movement and scoring efficiency. A study from the NCAA found that teams that shoot over 50% usually clinch victory more frequently than those that don’t, a trend Oakland clearly embodied in this match.
As Oakland looks ahead, fans remain excited, particularly on social media, where reactions to their performance have been overwhelmingly positive, with many cheering for continued success in the upcoming games.
To keep up with the Golden Grizzlies, you can follow them on platforms like X at @OaklandMBB and Instagram.
