SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — A brutally-tough non-league schedule has paid off for Oakland University.
The Golden Grizzlies, who have played the likes of Tennessee, Ohio State, Michigan State, Illinois, Purdue, Michigan and West Virginia this season, overcame a second-half run by Oral Roberts, then piled on a large run of its own in the second half to win the Summit League men’s basketball championship for the second year in a row with a 90-76 victory at Sioux Falls Arena.
CUTTING THEM DOWN: Oakland sophomore Drew Valentine takes his turn trimming the nets following Oakland’s Summit League Tournament victory Tuesday. Courtesy Photos | Intertia Media
The win vaults Oakland, winner of 18 of its last 19 games, into the NCAA tournament for the second straight year and third time in seven seasons.
Oakland also made the cut in 2005 and 2010, with the Grizzlies holding down the No. 1 seed in the conference tournament in both 2010 and 2011. OU advanced as the No. 7 seed back in 2005.
“I think Oral Roberts gave us a great shot,” offered Oakland veteran coach Greg Kampe, who has coached 13 seasons in the Division I era at OU and 27 total. “They came after us when we got a big lead in the first half; I think it was 17 or 18. Then, the second half we came back and took the lead. I think Will (Hudson) cleaned up for a basket and then Reggie (Hamilton) had an acrobatic bank shot. Then, Keith (Benson) in transition got a dunk off a miss. Then we took the lead back up to 20. That is just the type of team we are… Read full story at Northoaklandsports.com
By Dan Stickradt
