Oakland University women’s basketball improved to 5-8 with an impressive 86-39 victory over Rochester College (6-11)  Saturday Jan. 4. The Golden Grizzlies were led in scoring by senior forward Bethany Watterworth, who was one rebound short of a double-double with 15 points and 9 rebounds.

Watterworth moved into fifth place in school history with her five free throws in the game giving her 331 for her career. Oakland received solid contributions as well from Elena Popkey, who added 12 points on 5-of-10 shooting, and Olivia Nash who added 11 points and grabbed seven rebounds.

The Grizzlies seemed to be on cruise control throughout the first half, eventually leading at the half 42-31. OU had nine of its players score at least two points in the half, with Watterworth scoring 11 of her 15 points as in the opening half.

Oakland came out roaring in the second half, outscoring  Rochester College 42-8, holding the Warriors to just 14 percent from the field and not allowing a single player to score in double figures. The 8 points scored by Rochester College is the fewest allowed by the Grizzlies in a half since Jan. 2, 2008 in a game where Oakland defeated RC by a score of 99-19.

OU head coach Jeff Tungate was very pleased with the intensity of the defense in the second half.

“We were playing hard, diving on the floor and getting after loose balls,” he said. “In the first half, we weren’t pressuring the basketball, second half we started to do the things it takes to win games.”

The Grizzlies tenacious defense paved the way to victory, with 26 steals and 33 turnovers in the contest. Oakland had complete control of the game, outscoring Rochester College 44-8 in points in the paint, 40-6 off of turnovers and 22-0 in fast- break points.

Oakland will begin league play next week in  Dayton, Ohio,  where they will take on Wright State on Wednesday, Jan. 8 in their first-ever Horizon League match up. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. inside the Nutter Center.