The Golden Grizzlies fell short by one point to the Toledo Rockets in a closely contested matchup at the OU Credit Union O’rena.
The game started with a successful layup made by Toledo’s Sonny Wilson. Oakland’s Rocket Watts quickly responded with a jumper at the 18:23 mark. Toledo then had a series of back-to-back threes that established their offensive rhythm, as they had a lead at a 10-4 score.
To get them back into it, Oakland mostly relied on perimeter shooting. Notably, Blake Lampman’s return after being sidelined for a long period saw him electrify the OU Credit Union O’rena.
He drained three from beyond the arc, which showed Oakland fans he was back in his element, which is always a major bright spot for the team. His contributions helped trim their deficit to three points.
Toledo had a lot of success in the paint, and they saw this was working very well for them. After a significant 6-0 run by the Grizzlies, though, they finally were able to gain control, thanks to key players DQ Cole and Isaiah Jones, who made their layups effortlessly, which transitioned them into their first lead of the game.
A dunk by Toledo’s Javon Simmons at the 1:29 mark, followed by a three-pointer made by Dante Maddow Jr. helped the Rockets stay within reach.
The first half witnessed defensive plays that shaped the flow of the game, along with momentum shifting several times. Both teams capitalized on scoring runs, but the half concluded in favor of the Grizzlies, as they held a slight lead, 36-32.
The second half opened with the Rockets, which came out with a layup made by Ra’Heim Moss that set the tone, making it a two-point game. The well-executed play, assisted by Javan Simmons, ignited Toledo’s offense as they regained control.
As the game progressed, Oakland countered fiercely, with significant plays by Trey Townsend, and the Grizzlies seized the lead at 64-62. As the clock dwindled, free throws began to be the game-changer.
Toledo’s Dante Maddox Jr. responded as he was fouled on his way up to the basket. He made composed free throws that put the Rockets ahead, 69-66. The tension started to soar.
Isaiah Jones’ layup cut the deficit, and it was a one-point game, 69-68, but still in favor of the Rockets.
Toledo was in the bonus, and after a missed free throw, Trey Townsend grabbed the rebound. The Grizzlies called a timeout with three seconds remaining on the clock, and it gave them one last opportunity. However, Oakland couldn’t connect, and Toledo escaped with a win at the OU Credit Union O’rena.
Although the Grizzlies fell short, they battled throughout the entirety of this game. Trey Townsend and Blake Lampman each delivered a total of 14 points. Jack Gohlke closely followed, notching 13 points, and DQ Cole had eight points.
What’s Next?
The Golden Grizzlies will head to East Lansing to play the Michigan State Spartans at the Breslin Center on Friday, Dec. 18. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m.
