Oakland University improved to a 13–10 record after a hard‑fought 74–65 win against Purdue Fort Wayne at the Gates Sports Center.
This victory was particularly significant given the depth challenges facing the Golden Grizzlies, who had to compete with a limited squad due to injuries to key rotation players like Nate Deer, Nassim Mashhour and Isaac Garrett. Despite these absences, the team maintained remarkable composure throughout the contest, leading for over 23 minutes and effectively responding to every run made by the Mastodons.
The Golden Grizzlies finished the night shooting 44.1% from the field and 38.1% from beyond the arc, consistently outperforming the Mastodons’ 34.8% shooting effort as they controlled the tempo of the game from the opening tip.
Player of the Game: Michael Houge’s dominant double‑double
Leading the charge for Oakland was Michael Houge, whose relentless performance in the paint earned him Player of the Game honors. Houge played over 35 minutes and anchored the Golden Grizzlies’ interior presence, recording a powerful double‑double with 15 points and 11 rebounds.
His physicality on the glass was a game‑changer, including two critical offensive boards that ensured Oakland maintained control of the game’s pace and limited second‑chance opportunities for the opposition.
Houge’s ability to battle through contact and remain a constant threat in the frontcourt provided the stability Oakland needed to overcome their shorthanded roster.
Dominance in the paint and physicality on the glass
The frontcourt was further bolstered by Brett White, who also recorded an impressive double‑double with 13 points and 11 rebounds. White was extremely efficient, finishing with a True Shooting Percentage of 59.1%.
He and Houge worked in tandem to establish a physical presence that Purdue Fort Wayne simply could not match, allowing Oakland to outrebound the Mastodons 46–34.
This internal strength resulted in Oakland doubling their production in the paint, outscoring Purdue Fort Wayne 36–20 in that area.
Tuburu Naivalurua also provided a highly efficient scoring punch in the starting lineup, making 6 of his 10 field‑goal attempts to finish with 13 points.
Defensive execution and perimeter lockdown
Oakland’s defensive strategy was a primary factor in the win, as their signature zone was executed with precision throughout the game.
The defense focused on limiting clean looks for Purdue Fort Wayne’s primary scorers and contesting perimeter shots without committing unnecessary fouls.
Corey Hadnot II led the Mastodons with 22 points, but the Oakland defense forced him into a difficult 7‑for‑18 shooting night, resulting in a True Shooting Percentage of 52.2%.
Even more impressive was the lockdown on Mikale Stevenson, who struggled to find any rhythm against the zone and was held to a rough 3‑for‑12 shooting performance, finishing with a True Shooting Percentage of 29.2%.
Ziare Wells added to the defensive highlights by remaining active and coming up with a crucial block on a fast‑break attempt by Hadnot II.
Bench contributions and the dagger
The Golden Grizzlies’ bench stepped up to provide 12 critical points, which proved vital given the short rotation.
Khoi Thurmon continued his recent string of strong performances by contributing 8 points on 3‑of‑4 shooting along with 2 rebounds and an assist, finding his groove with the increased minutes he has seen lately.
Warren Marshall IV also brought high energy and defensive playmaking, recording 3 blocks and 6 rebounds in his 19 minutes on the floor.
While Brody Robinson had a difficult shooting night, making only 2 of his 8 field‑goal attempts, he remained aggressive by getting to the free‑throw line 10 times. His ability to draw fouls boosted his True Shooting Percentage to 52.4%.
Robinson eventually put the game out of reach by hitting a clutch, knife‑like sidestep three‑pointer with less than a minute remaining to seal the road win for Oakland.