Exhibition games are often about trial and error, seeing what works and what might not. For Oakland, this second test against Rochester Christian may prove very useful.
“This was a great game for us, a great game for us. The one we had the other night we didn’t learn a whole lot about us, but tonight we learned a great deal,” Greg Kampe said postgame.
The Golden Grizzlies beat NAIA Rochester Christian 99-90 in the final tuneup before the regular season begins on Monday. In the last four matchups between the two programs the average margin of Oakland victory is 6.5 points. Knowing that it would be a battle coming in, Kampe had this takeaway in his opening statement.
“I’m very pleased with tonight.”
After sitting out the first exhibition against Alma, Buru Naivalurua returned to the lineup for Oakland. The Horizon League’s preseason player of the year racked up 28 points and six rebounds in 29 minutes of play. He even let a three fly within the flow of the offense.
“I wanted to improve and expand every aspect of my game this offseason. I am never going to shoot 1000 threes like Jack (Gohlke) or anything, but I want to be respected from out there and be able to make open ones when I get them,” Naivalurua said postgame.
Brody Robinson poured in 19 points to go along with five assists and five rebounds. While his shot did not fall at the clip he expects this exhibition season, he has shown his fire and talent will be a key all year for Oakland.
“Whatever it takes to win,” Robinson said. “I couldn’t hit a shot today, but I know i had a couple steals and things, just trying to make winning plays.”
“I’m learning how to become a leader and a winner every day. Coach Kampe is a great coach.”
The tempo was again, blazing, showing that this is who Oakland wants to be this year. A team that scores at a high volume and wants to get up and down. The Golden Grizzlies also displayed a good amount of full court pressure, particularly in the second half. Something we could see more of as well as the year goes on.
The one other Golden Grizzly in double figures was Isaac Garrett, who was not as dominant as he was in the first game. He still managed 11 points and seven boards, and is going to be the starting center going forward.
Oakland had five guys between seven and nine points. Brett White made three shots from distance against his former school, while Khoi Thurmon continued to show his talent at getting to the free throw line, while also dishing out seven assists. Nassim Mashhour and Ziare Wells each had eight points.
Warren Marshall IV had seven points, but gets his own paragraph because of this highlight dunk that was featured in Sportscenter’s Top 10 plays at number four.
Now, it’s a step up in weight class that awaits. As the college basketball regular season opens up on Monday, Oakland heads to #7 Michigan, to begin their season. The game will tip off at 8:30pm Eastern Time and be nationally televised on FS1.
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