The Oakland University women’s basketball team fell to 7-10 (2-2 Horizon) on the season to conference opponent UIC (13-4, 2-2), losing by a final score was 78-65. The game was much closer than the final score indicates, as Oakland made a second-half surge to make things interesting.

OU began the first ten minutes of the game behind 22-7, while only shooting a dismal 16 percent (3-for-19) from the field. While the first half was a clear struggle, the Golden Grizzlies were able to make a push going into the second half, cutting the deficit to nine on a buzzer-beating three from sophomore guard Elena Popkey, which seemed to change the momentum.  

“I told them we’re a good team, we’re not going to go two half’s shooting the ball like that,” Grizzly head coach Jeff Tungate said. “The message was, keep taking the shots we’re taking and they’re going to fall, but we have got to defend and rebound and we didn’t do that.”

Oakland came out in the second half with good intensity and execution, cutting the lead on numerous occasions to six points, but the Grizzlies were unable to overcome the deficit. The surge was led by senior forward Bethany Watterworth, who led the Grizzlies in scoring with 21 points, including 14 in the second half.

For the game OU shot 32 percent from the floor, including 25 percent (6-of-24) from 3-point range. UIC took advantage of second chance opportunities, outscoring the Grizzlies 28-13 on second chance baskets.

“I told the team after the game, to have 10 turnovers, 14 assists and have 17 offensive rebounds, that should put you in position to win a basketball game, if you guard,” Tungate said. “We just didn’t play the defense we’re capable of, you can’t give up 24 offensive rebounds and win a game.”

UIC outrebounded OU 57-36 and received a big contribution from forward Ruvanna Campbell, who had a double-double with 16 points and a game-high 21 rebounds. OU’s bench play also played a pivotal role in the comeback that came up short, outscoring UIC’s bench 21-2. Grizzly senior forward Kim Bee pitched in 16 points and eight boards in the losing effort.

The loss snaps a five-game home winning streak for OU. The Grizzlies will begin a two-game road swing in Ohio next week as they take on Cleveland State on Thursday, Jan. 23 at 7 p.m. and Youngstown State on Saturday, Jan. 25 at 4:35 p.m.