The Oakland University men’s basketball team outlasted the University of Illinois at Chicago Flames 86-71 Friday night at the UIC Pavilion.

It was only the second road win for the Golden Grizzlies this year, the other coming in early Jan. 11 against the rival Detroit Mercy Titans, a 77-69 win.

Oakland senior guard Travis Bader had a game-high 28 points, and teammate Duke Mondy added 17 along with eight assists and seven rebounds.

OU has finally found consistent production out of the power forward position, with Ralph Hill posting his third consecutive game of over 10 points. Hill finished with 13 points.

Hayden Humes led the way for the Flames with 16 points. The team’s season-leading scorer, Kelsey Barlow, was held to only nine on the night.

The Grizzly defense held the Flames to just 37 percent shooting on the night. Oakland has struggled in that category, where they had been allowing 48 percent shooting to Horizon League foes.

The Grizzlies led by as many as 27 points in the second half, but the Flames managed to get within 10 with less than three minutes remaining. 

The Flames had a 16-2 run in a four-minute span that lasted from 6:55 to 2:50 in the second half.

The sense of urgency re-emerged in the Grizzlies and managed to push the margin a little wider again with free throws late in the contest.

OU returns home to play Green Bay next Thursday. The Phoenix have already clinched the No. 1 seed in the Horizon League Tournament.