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Next Game:<\/p>\n
Northern Kentucky<\/p>\n
2\/1\/2026 | 3 PM ET<\/p>\n
\n 97.1HD-3\/1270am\/Audacy App
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\n Feb. 01 (Sun) \/ 3 PM ET
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\n \u00a0Northern Kentucky
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History <\/a><\/p>\n
<\/p>\n FORT WAYNE, Ind. \u2014 Oakland (13-10, 9-3 HL) stays set in second place in the Horizon League after securing a 74-65 victory over Purdue Fort Wayne (13-9, 7-4 HL) Wednesday evening\u00a0inside the Gates Sports Center. Oakland used a strong performance in the paint, outscoring their opponent 36-20, and maintained control with 46 total rebounds. PFW hit 13 three-pointers but struggled from the free-throw line, converting just four of seven\u00a0attempts against Oakland’s tamed defense.<\/p>\n “I’m really proud of the score tonight. At our place it was [101 to 92] or something like that. We were shorthanded and we just gutted this thing out,” said head coach Greg Kampe<\/a>. “We held off the run and we held them to 65 points in their own building, playing pretty flawless defensively. Buru [Naivalurua] made some big plays, Z [Ziare Wells<\/a>] had an unbelievable\u00a0offenisve rebound basket late that really was the seal on the coffin that won the game for us tonight.”<\/p>\n Fifth-year Michael Houge<\/a> recorded a double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds, including two off the offensive\u00a0glass. Fifth-year Brett White II<\/a> added 13 points, including three three-pointers, while also collecting a season-high total of 11 rebounds for his first Oakland career double-double of the season, as fifth-year\u00a0Tuburu Naivalurua<\/a> matched his teammate with 13 points and contributed defensively with two blocks and two steals. Senior Brody Robinson<\/a>, who has recorded at least 13 total points in three\u00a0consecutive games, finished with 13 points and was effective at the free-throw line, converting seven of 10 attempts, marking the second consecutive game he has converted at least seven free throws as he leads the nation.<\/p>\n Oakland initiated play with a strong start, capturing an early 4\u20130 lead through efficient scoring in the paint. As the half progressed, White II connected on a fast-break three-pointer at 16:29, momentarily pushing the team ahead. The Mastodons responded with a series of three-pointers, but Oakland maintained pressure, highlighted by a three-point play by Naivalurua, which tied the game at 26\u201326.<\/p>\n In the latter stages, junior Khoi Thurmon<\/a> hit a crucial 3-pointer against his former team\u00a0to edge Oakland ahead. The Golden Grizzlies\u00a0continued to exert defensive pressure while capitalizing on PFW’s turnovers. White II’s three-pointer at 3:40 extended Oakland’s lead, and a late three-pointer by senior\u00a0Ziare Wells<\/a> ensured Oakland entered halftime with a slight edge. The half concluded with Oakland taking a two-point lead.<\/p>\n The second half began with Naivalurua scoring a layup, assisted by White II, to extend the Golden Grizzlies’ lead. Oakland maintained the advantage through a fast-paced\u00a0offense, including Houge’s layups and a three-pointer from White at 11:44, pushing the score to 53-49 in favor of the visitors.<\/p>\n Oakland’s defense was active, with Naivalurua and others making significant stops, as the team capitalized on turnovers. The half saw Oakland’s lead grow as they managed a scoring run that included a fast-break dunk by Naivalurua, elevating the score by a big four points and gained momentum near the end.<\/p>\n In the closing minutes, Robinson’s three-pointer at 0:57 and subsequent free throws helped seal the half with Oakland leading 74-65. The team outscored PFW 34-27 in the half, maintaining control throughout.<\/p>\n The Golden Grizzlies are back inside the OU Credit Union O’rena to host Northern Kentucky on Sunday, Feb. 1. Tipoff is slated for 3 p.m. ET on ESPN+.<\/p>\n How to Follow Oakland Men’s Basketball: For complete information on Oakland Men’s Basketball follow the team on X at @OaklandMBB<\/a> and head coach Greg Kampe<\/a><\/a> at @KampeOU<\/a>. The team is also on Instagram<\/a> and Facebook<\/a>.<\/p>\n