The Golden Grizzlies made headlines in November after starting the season by playing two teams that were ranked number one, and a third that many have said to be the best team in America. While a trip to Cedar Falls, Iowa may not seem like a daunting task to some, the team had to face one of the top mid-majors in the country, one that boasts the best scoring defense in Division I.
Oakland fell to Northern Iowa 75-63 after a game that had many runs.
“Part of our play is just the schedule. With who we have played, and after being at home getting a league win and an exciting win against Toledo, now you go on the road again and play a top mid major in the country,” said Greg Kampe. “After exams and that schedule you aren’t going to be on your A game.”
Oakland held a 30-29 lead late in the first half after a very back-and-forth first part of the game. That’s when the Panthers took control, finishing the first 20 minutes on a 9-0 run.
That lead quickly ballooned to 52-37 in the early portion of the second half, and it looked like the horses were getting ready to be let out of the barn. But Oakland started to click.
Oakland won the next 10 minutes 16-5. Less turnovers created less runouts, and there was real execution on the defensive end of the floor. Issac Garrett, Buru Naivalurua and Michael Houge got loose inside a few times during the run, after being shut down in the first half.
However, Northern Iowa regained control, and made their free throws down the stretch to take the game by 12 points.
The highly touted Panther’s defense was noticeable for most of the night. They forced 17 Golden Grizzly turnovers and only allowed six combined first half points by Oakland’s big three inside.
Oakland made their run by getting going inside, mainly Issac Garrett. He posted another double-double on the year, finishing with 12 points and 12 rebounds. All 12 of his points were scored in the second half. Buru Naivalura and Michael Houge were held to six points each.
This was also the first time Oakland took the floor without starting two guard Nassim Mashhour. Ziare Wells slotted into the starting five and found his way to 11 points on 3-of-10 shooting.
Perhaps the most important Golden Grizzly without Mashhour is Brett White II. He becomes the main option as the off ball “shooter” that is so important in Oakland’s offensive scheme. White II made 3-of-5 from deep and had 11 points. Both Wells and White II also had five rebounds a piece.
Brody Robinson struggled for the first time in a while. While he did post 12 points and five assists, he turned the ball over seven times and was held without a three.
While there is still one more non-conference game left on the slate, next up is a trip to Horizon League foe Northern Kentucky. The Norse are 1-1 in league play (Oakland 1-0). Northern Kentucky has won eight out of their last nine contests, however. The loss was a 79-77 defeat at Purdue Fort Wayne. This league battle will take place on Wednesday December 17th, with top off slated for 7pm Eastern Time. ESPN+ will have the television coverage.
Subscribe to our emails, and get our latest posts in your inbox, plus a weekly digest of everything we've published!
