“We needed a win, and we got one,” said Greg Kampe after the game Wednesday night.
It felt like that kind of night in the O’rena. Oakland was sitting at 3-4 in the conference, with a rebuilding IU-Indianapolis program coming in. No matter how the game looked, as long as it ended in the win column it seemed like it would be a successful night.
What followed was a second straight wire-to wire win, as Oakland came away with a 72-59 victory.
The Jaguars had no answer for the tandem of Allen Mukeba and Buru Naivalurua inside. Each guy went 7-8 from the floor, and neither missed a shot until the closing minutes of the game. It has become a very familiar sight to see these efficient stat lines this year, and there is no sign that it will slow down soon. Mukeba finished this one with 20 points and nine boards, while Buru scored 14 points.
Mukeba had struggled early on from the free throw line, but a 6-8 night moved him to 75% from the line since the calendar turned to 2025.
“It’s just work,” Mukeba said about what has improved for him at the line.
DQ Cole poured in four threes en route to 14 points, marking the second straight game he has hit four threes. Another one of Oakland’s eight made threes was made by Isaiah Jones, who once again did it all. His line included seven points, six assists, five boards and four steals. Jaylen Jones also stuffed the box score, with six points, five assists and three rebounds.
A key in the win for Oakland was freshman Nassim Mashhour. He made two of his five threes, had three assists that included some highlights, and was active on defense with two steals in his 17 minutes. He ended with eight points, and could be developing into a threat for Oakland.
“He has a chance to be really good here,” Kampe said about Mashhour. He talked about Mashhour being able to tighten his handle and being able to withstand pressure better as the next step in his development.
It was a good team effort for the Golden Grizzlies, who are now 7-12 overall, and 4-4 in the league. Thanks to the grueling fall schedule and some early conference struggles, the win marks only the second time this season Oakland has won two games in a row.
They have a chance to extend the streak to three for the first time this year on Saturday, as Oakland gets its first look at Detroit Mercy under new head coach Mark Montgomery in the Metro Series.
The tip at Calihan Hall in Detroit is scheduled for 1pm. ESPN+ will carry the broadcast.
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