FORT WAYNE, Ind. (Interstat) — In a gritty, defensive-minded Horizon League clash, the Oakland Golden Grizzlies grinded out a 74-65 victory over the Purdue Fort Wayne Mastodons on Wednesday night at Gates Sports Center.

The game, played before an announced crowd of 1,243, was a tale of two halves defined by offensive droughts and timely responses. Oakland improved to 13-10 overall, while Purdue Fort Wayne fell to 13-9. The win gave Oakland a regular-season sweep of the Mastodons, having also won 101-92 on Dec. 3.

The most critical phase of the contest came in the second half, where Oakland’s defense imposed its will. After a tightly contested first half that saw Oakland take a narrow 40-38 lead into the break, the Golden Grizzlies locked down the Mastodons after halftime. Purdue Fort Wayne’s offense, which had relied heavily on perimeter shooting in the first half, went frigid. The Mastodons managed only 27 points in the second half, shooting a dismal 24 of 69 from the floor for the game and 13 of 40 from three-point range.

Oakland’s defensive effort was anchored by its interior presence. The Golden Grizzlies recorded seven blocks, with Tuburu Naivalurua and Ziare Wells each contributing two, and they limited Purdue Fort Wayne to just four free throw attempts, of which they made only four. This defensive stand allowed Oakland to slowly but steadily build a cushion despite its own offensive struggles, as the Golden Grizzlies shot 44.1 percent from the field.

The Mastodons were led by a game-high 22 points from Corey Hadnot of Atlanta. He added six assists but was pressured into difficult shots throughout the night. Maximus Nelson of Appleton, Wisconsin, provided 15 points, all from beyond the arc, hitting five three-pointers. DeAndre Craig of Chicago chipped in 11 points.

Oakland countered with a balanced scoring attack. Michael Houge of Detroit and Brett White of Battle Creek, Michigan, each scored 15 points. Naivalurua, from Sydney, Australia, was a force inside with 13 points, three assists and two blocks. Brody Robinson of Houston also added 13 points and four assists, while providing steady ball-handling against Purdue Fort Wayne’s pressure.

The Golden Grizzlies seized control with a decisive 9-2 run midway through the second half. Leading 52-49, Oakland got a driving layup from Houge, a tip-in from White, and a powerful dunk from Naivalurua off a Robinson assist to push the lead to 61-51 with just over four minutes remaining. Purdue Fort Wayne could not mount a sustained response, as every basket was answered by Oakland, often at the rim or the free-throw line.

Purdue Fort Wayne’s last gasp came when a three-pointer from Hadnot cut the deficit to 65-59 with 3:03 to play. Oakland immediately responded, with Naivalurua scoring inside again. After another Nelson three made it 67-62, Oakland closed the game at the line, making seven of its final eight free throws to seal the nine-point victory.

The game was a significant departure from the teams’ first meeting, a 101-92 Oakland shootout win. This contest was defined by physical defense and inefficient offense, with both teams recording only six assists and committing a combined 18 turnovers. Oakland’s ability to generate higher-percentage shots inside and get to the free-throw line, where they made 14 of 20 attempts compared to Purdue Fort Wayne’s 4 of 7, proved to be the decisive difference.

Oakland next hosts Northern Kentucky on Sunday. Purdue Fort Wayne looks to rebound at home against Robert Morris on Saturday.