Preview: IU Indy at Oakland in Horizon League Men’s Basketball

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. (Interstat) — The Oakland Golden Grizzlies, riding a two-game win streak, will look to continue their momentum when they host the struggling IU Indy Jaguars in a Horizon League men’s basketball matchup Wednesday night at the Athletics Center O’rena.

Oakland (11-9 overall) enters with confidence after a dominant 88-63 road victory at Green Bay on Sunday. The Golden Grizzlies’ recent success has been fueled by forward Tuburu Naivalurua, who is coming off a 26-point, 10-rebound double-double in that win. Over his last seven games, Naivalurua is averaging 15.7 points and 4.4 rebounds, providing a consistent interior presence.

IU Indy (5-16) seeks to snap a two-game skid and find consistency in league play. The Jaguars fell 80-77 at home to Detroit on Saturday despite a 20-point, six-assist effort from guard Kyler D’Augustino. He has been a bright spot for the Jaguars, averaging 23.6 points and 4.3 assists over his last seven contests. His scoring outburst includes a 31-point game against Wright State and a 28-point performance in an overtime win over Robert Morris on Jan. 15, which stands as the team’s only victory since Dec. 16.

The matchup pits Oakland’s recent balanced attack against IU Indy’s high-scoring guard. In the win over Green Bay, Oakland saw Isaac Garrett (17 points, 10 rebounds) and Ziare Wells (14 points) join Naivalurua in double figures. IU Indy will need similar supplementary production around D’Augustino, who has accounted for a significant portion of the Jaguars’ offense.

Oakland holds a 6-4 record in Horizon League play, while IU Indy sits at 1-6. The Golden Grizzlies have been strong at home this season, boasting notable non-conference wins over Toledo and Northern Kentucky at the O’rena.

This game opens a critical two-game homestand for Oakland before a weekend trip to Detroit. IU Indy continues a tough stretch on the road, where they are 1-9 this season.

Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST Wednesday.