Oakland's Michael Houge stole the show at the UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena, scoring 19 points and grabbing 7 rebounds to lead his team to a convincing 73-60 win over Milwaukee. The Golden Grizzlies' strong performance was fueled by a dominant first half, where they outscored the Panthers 41-30. This set the tone for the rest of the game, as Oakland maintained a comfortable lead throughout.
Milwaukee's Sekou Konneh did his best to keep his team in the game, recording a double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds. However, it wasn't enough to overcome the balanced attack of the Golden Grizzlies. Brody Robinson added 17 points for Oakland, while Isaac Garrett chipped in with 13 points and 12 rebounds. The Panthers' Aaron Franklin also had a notable performance, scoring 13 points and grabbing 13 rebounds, but it was a case of too little, too late.
The game was essentially decided in the first half, as Oakland's hot shooting and stifling defense allowed them to build a significant lead. The Golden Grizzlies shot 51% from the field in the first half, while holding Milwaukee to just 38%. The Panthers tried to mount a comeback in the second half, but Oakland's lead proved insurmountable. Josh Dixon's 11 points for Milwaukee were a bright spot, but the team's overall performance was lacking.
With this win, Oakland improves to 12-10 on the season, while Milwaukee falls to 9-13. The Golden Grizzlies' victory is a significant one, as it gives them a quality win on the road against a non-conference opponent. This game was classified as a Quadrant 3 matchup for both teams, and the outcome will have implications for their respective tournament resumes.
For Oakland, this win is a boost to their tournament chances, as it demonstrates their ability to win on the road against a decent opponent. The Golden Grizzlies' current net ranking of 130 will likely improve with this victory, making them a more attractive candidate for postseason play. On the other hand, Milwaukee's loss is a setback, but not a devastating one. The Panthers' net ranking of 224 will likely drop, but they still have time to recover and make a push for the tournament.
Overall, Oakland's dominant performance was the story of the game, with Michael Houge's 19 points leading the way. The Golden Grizzlies' win is a significant one, and it will have a positive impact on their tournament resume. As the season heats up, Oakland want to build on this momentum and make a strong push for the postseason.