NKU Hosts Oakland in a Crucial Horizon League Clash on Wednesday Night!If Northern Kentucky University (NKU) aims to claim the Horizon League title, they must defeat top contenders like Oakland when they visit Truist Arena.

Oakland Golden Grizzlies Overview:

• Coach: Greg Kampe, in his 34th season overall and 27th at Oakland, with a career record of 458-397.
• Record: 5-6 (1-0 in Horizon League play).
• Losses: Michigan, Purdue, Houston, UCF, Eastern Michigan, Northern Iowa.
• Wins: Defiance (Non-DI), Lamar, Montana, Purdue Fort Wayne, Toledo.

KenPom Breakdown:

Oakland excels offensively (ranked 77th nationally) but struggles defensively (291st). This disparity may stem partly from their grueling non-conference schedule (7th toughest in the nation). However, their defense has faltered even against comparable opponents. NKU should exploit this, scoring in volume, as Oakland has surrendered 90+ points seven times this season—including 92 to Purdue Fort Wayne and 97 to Toledo. The Golden Grizzlies play at a blistering pace (26th fastest nationally), setting the stage for a potential shootout.

Strengths:

• Elite ball security on offense: 35th in turnover percentage and 21st in steal percentage allowed.
• Disciplined defense: 28th in free throw attempts per field goal attempt conceded.

Weaknesses:

• Vulnerable to blocks on offense.
• Porous defense overall: Opponents shoot 57.9% from the field (349th), including 59.6% on two-pointers and 37% from three.
• Poor at forcing turnovers: 344th nationally.
• Allow assists on 66% of made field goals (360th).

NKU’s defense ranks 356th nationally in three-point percentage allowed (40%), which could prove costly against Oakland’s solid outside shooting (34.9% from deep, 123rd). The three-point line may well decide the outcome. That said, Oakland’s defensive woes across the board should allow NKU’s offense to thrive.This matchup hinges on execution, with both teams poised for a high-scoring affair.

Oakland’s Key Players:

• Brody Robinson: 33 MPG, 16 PPG, 2 RPG, 6 APG, 1 SPG, 2 TOPG.
• Isaac Garrett: 15 PPG, 7 RPG, 3 APG, 1 BPG, 1 SPG, 2 TOPG.
• Tuburu Naivalurua: 14 PPG, 6 RPG, 2 APG, 1 BPG, 1 SPG, 2 TOPG. (Preseason Horizon League Player of the Year; his physicality could challenge NKU inside.)
• Ziare Wells: 10 PPG, 5 RPG, 2 APG, 1 SPG, 1 TOPG.

Prediction: NKU secures a pivotal victory, vaulting to the top of the Horizon League standings and fueling March Madness aspirations!