Exactly three weeks to the day, the Golden Grizzlies got shocked at home by the Northern Kentucky Norse 87-83. This propelled the Norse into first place in the Horizon League and Oakland fell to third with a loss to Wright State two days later. Now with the Black and Gold on a four game win streak and storming into the bluegrass state you can guarantee it’s going to be one heck of a fight.

With Kentucky being a little bit of drive for most, Buffalo Wild Wings in Rochester hosted a watch party for all those rowdy Golden Grizzly fans. Grizz Gang president Jake Wolok was present and all fired up.

“It’s going to be a tough road environment and they got us at our house so we’re just going to come out with more energy and passion to get some payback, Kampe knows for us to win the Horizon League we need this win,” Wolok said.

Oakland started the game the only way they knew how, with four straight three’s and Kendrick Nunn was feeling it once again. In a mere 10 minutes, Nunn already had 14 points and Brailen Neely was following him up with a solid game of his own. The score was 21-16 in favor of the Golden Grizzlies with 10 minutes to go in the half.

As the first half wrapped up, Oakland continued their strong start and were leading 36-32 at the end of the half. Nunn had 14 points and Neely was right behind with seven. Isaiah Brock continued to do what he does best and had five rebounds. Buffalo Wild Wings was rocking as the fans anxiously awaited the second half.

“We’re very excited to be here, I’m just really proud of our team and just very thankful to the fans who came out,” Grizz Gang secretary John Hassenzahl said.

Student manager Brendan Billbury couldn’t make the trip down to Northern Kentucky but was at the watch party. For a guy who is around the team every single day, he knows more than most.

“I think Brailen is playing pretty good, he’s always got that touch around the rim,” Billbury said. “I think Oakland’s going to edge them out in the second half but it’s gonna be close.”

Oakland would have to find some momentum in the second half to keep the train rolling and run over the Norse. With the fans on the edge of their seats at bdubs, the second half couldn’t come any sooner.

The second half started much like the first, a barrage of three’s rained down from Oakland star Kendrick Nunn and the Golden Grizzlies were up 50-42 five minutes into the half. The Norse kept on fighting and it was turning into a real scrappy match as the time continued to tick off.

With eight minutes to go Oakland held a 59-49 lead and there wasn’t much in ways of offense on either side. Neely was having an amazing game assist wise with seven up to this point. Hayes was having a solid game as well with 15 points and four rebounds.

The Norse weren’t going to go down quietly, and with six minutes to go they had the game within four points. They kept up their strong aggressive play down low and Oakland started to falter.

However, just like a flip of the switch the boys knew just what to do and with three’s by Nunn and Walker, they were back up by 10.

The Black and Gold got the revenge they were looking for and put it to the first place Norse with a final score of 83-70. This huge win made it five straight for the Golden Grizzlies. Nunn led the team in scoring once again with 33 points, Hayes had 21 and Isaiah Brock had another great game with eight points and 11 rebounds.

Longest active Grizz Gang member Austin Davis was getting into it and could not of been more excited after his team’s win.

“It’s awesome and we just gotta keep it up and get these next few wins,” Davis said. Last year we ended on a nine game winning streak but this year we’re not losing once more.”

Interim Athletic Director Padraic Mcmeel was in attendance at Buffalo Wild Wings and he was extremely happy with the fans support.

“It’s really cool to see the Grizz Gang out here, I think it just shows what the students want in this program and I can’t thank them enough for coming out,” Mcmeel said.