The Golden Grizzlies end road trip with a win

Two old rivals meet in a highly anticipated “golden” match up at the Mabee Center in Tulsa Oklahoma. The “Golden” Grizzlies took on the “Golden” Eagles in a toss and turn game that ended in overtime. After three straight disappointing losses some called this a “must win” game for Oakland and they took that statement to heart.

Oakland got off to a decent start and took a 22-21 lead with half of the first gone. Martez Walker led all scorers with 12 points and was having a fantastic start. After a little sputter out of the gates the Golden Grizzlies went on a run and expanded their lead to 42-32 by halftime.

Fresh out of suspension, Jalen Hayes was having a very good game up to this point as well. Hayes had eight points along with two rebounds and an assist. The Black and Gold were shooting at a solid 57 percent from the field and 44 percent from three point land at the half.

Sophomore Isaiah Brock stood his ground down low and fought against Oral Robert’s Albert Owens, who was having an amazing night. The Golden Eagles did not quit and they took a two point lead with just seven seconds to go. Brailen Neely who wasn’t getting much playing time all night took a huge step up, got the foul called and sunk two free throws to tie it all up and send it to overtime.

In overtime with the fans on their feet, the Golden Grizzlies took control and coasted home with a 93-86 win to close out the road trip. Walker played all 45 minutes of this one, not leaving the court for a single second and had an outstanding 33 points. In addition to Walker’s great shooting night, Hayes and Daniels tacked on 18 and 17 points respectively.

It was a tight win for the Black and Gold against their old rivals, but a win’s a win and this is what Coach Kampe had to say about the surprising performance from Oral Roberts.

“They (Oral Roberts) have some good players and they shot the living tar out of us.”

When asked what this rivalry has meant and what he expects in the future Kampe had this to say.

“I don’t think we’ll ever be back, I hate to say that because this has been a city of great joy to us. We maybe won our last game ever at the Mabee Center.”

With this bounce back win to close out the road trip the Golden Grizzlies come back home to take on Texas Southern on November 30 before heading on the road to take on Western and Eastern Michigan.