The Oakland University men’s basketball team started the new year on the blacktop with a big win against the Robert Morris Colonials.

Blake Lampman’s 3-point shooting was the story early. He had already scored nine of Oakland’s points.

It took Robert Morris nearly six minutes to get on the board. Rocket Watts had a nice hesitation move into a crossover pullup and one 3-pointer on the other end, completing the 4-point play. 

Trey Townsend, who won’t give you just post work, has extended his game, banking the 3-pointer as well, adding an assist to Watts’ statline. The Grizzlies were doing damage behind the arc. 

Robert Morris cut Oakland’s lead to one with five minutes left, at 25-24. RMU then took the lead off a 3-point foul, putting them on top in their first lead of the game after trailing by 14 at 17-3.

That didn’t seem to be an issue for Lampman, with back to back 3s that were nothing but net. He made five triples, ending the game with 18 points — his second-highest point total all year. 

Tremendous defense by the Grizzlies forced a Colonial turnover, giving Oakland possession and sending the Colonials into the locker room down three, 36-33.

Keaton Hervey had a ferocious dunk in the second half that got the arena hyped up, and the momentum quickly went in Oakland’s favor. Hervey was also solid and aggressive on the defensive side, staying on the glass and getting those boards that came in clutch in those crunch time moments.

Robert Morris’ Kahliel Spear and Enoch Cheeks were the two players who put in huge amounts of effort to keep their team in it, but not enough against the unstoppable Townsend, who made three straight buckets in a row. 

The second half was back and forth scoring between the two teams, but the Grizzlies tightened down defensively. 

The Colonials fouled Townsend toward the end of the game, sending him to the line with 40 seconds left. He tied his career high with 30 points to close out the game with two free throws. It was a spectacular performance, marking his third 30-point game.

Oakland had a 6-0 run in the last 1:20. The Grizzlies were relentless and came out with a big win, 69-65. They will now look to apply that same pressure against IUPUI on Thursday, Jan. 19 at 7 p.m.