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Play-by-play: Gavin Smilowski
Color: Jacob Board
The Oakland Golden Grizzlies open up their season with their home opener against the Defiance College Yellow Jackets. Oakland swept through the Yellow Jackets 75-52 at home.
Despite a massive win last time they faced and a 9-0 record overall in favor of Oakland, Defiance came out fighting taking an early lead. Oakland would quickly shut the door of the Yellow Jackets fighting back and taking their first lead 13-10 with 10 minutes to go in the first half. Oakland would take half number one 33-23 on the back of transfer Jaylen Jone's playmaking.
The second half would be all Grizzlies as they jumped to a massive 23 point win 75-52. Oakland would have four double-digit scorers with big performances from Jayson Woodrich and Buru Naivalurua. Both ended with double digit points and rebounds. Buru had a massive defensive game with 13 points, 13 boards, 2 steals and 2 blocks.
Oaklands transfers would play important roles in their win. Jaylen Jones and freshman Nassim Mashhour would run the offense through there elite ball distribution with Candian 3-point specialist Malcolm Christie dropping 4 from behind the arc. Oakland returner Cooper Craggs would also play a great game showing off his interior strength with 14 points and 5 rebounds.
Defiance would play a great game, stepping up to their opponents. Jalen Brown and Connor Bush would both score double digit points. Bush would have a great interior defensive game while matched up with OU's Buru. Defiance comes out of this game with a 1-2 record as they prepare to head into their season in the WHAC.
This win not only starts off the Grizzlies on the right track but also is win number 700 of Oakland head coach Greg Kampe. This marks a pivotal moment in his coaching career. The Golden Grizzlies will head to Idaho for a game against Boise State on November 6th to prepare for their upcoming conference schedule. Catch the Grizzlies back on the blacktop to take on Eastern Michigan on November 21st.
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