The Oakland Golden Grizzlies (2-6, 0-7 ATS, 6-1 O/U) meet with the Cleveland State Vikings (4-3, 4-2 ATS, 2-4 O/U) in a Horizon League battle on Thursday night. The Golden Grizzlies lost to Missouri State in their previous action. The Vikings defeated Western Michigan in their previous bout. Oakland defeated Cleveland State in both meetings last season.
The Oakland Golden Grizzlies enter conference play looking to end a three-game slide. They only have two wins to show for their efforts, one of which occurred against non-DI foe Defiance. Oakland’s other victory was a thrilling 92-90 OT win against Eastern Michigan. They were labeled large 7.5-point dogs in a 76-64 loss to Missouri State on Sunday. They have yet to cover the spread all season as they are struggling to contain opponents.
Trey Townsend has been a bright spot so far. The sophomore forward has eclipsed 20 points on two occasions this season including 30 in a loss to Toledo and is sporting an average of 16.8 PPG on 56% shooting. Keaton Herbey scored 24 points in the loss to Missouri State. The senior forward is a threat from beyond the arc. He is averaging 14.1 PPG along with 7.5 RPG. Blake Lampman is consistently scoring, netting double-digits in all but one game. The junior gua rd enters with an average of 12 PPG on 41% shooting.
Lampman drains a three-ball as time expires.
Tie ball game heading into the locker room. pic.twitter.com/cxOLC58YpK
— Oakland Basketball (@OaklandMBB) November 27, 2022
The Golden Grizzlies are ranked 295th in DI in Ken Pomeroy’s ratings and lost their only true road game of the year in a 112-90 decision against Toledo of the MAC. Oakland certainly relies on offense to stay in games. They are averaging a solid 77.4 points, landing them 91st. The defense needs improvement. Oakland is conceding an average of 80.1 points, positioning them 348th.