AUBURN HILLS, Mich. (Interstat) — A dominant second-half surge, fueled by a career-high scoring performance from Makenzie Luehring, propelled the Oakland Golden Grizzlies to a 71-61 victory over the Robert Morris Colonials in a Horizon League women’s basketball game Saturday at the Athletics Center O’rena.

The game’s decisive turning point arrived in the third quarter. After trailing by eight points at halftime, Oakland erupted for 25 points in the period while holding Robert Morris to 15, completely flipping the contest’s momentum. The Golden Grizzlies shot 10 of 16 from the field in the quarter, including 4 of 6 from three-point range, to transform a 30-22 deficit into a 47-45 lead entering the final frame.

Luehring, a 5-foot-6 guard from Jackson, Wisconsin, was the catalyst for the comeback and the game’s standout performer. She scored 31 points, grabbed eight rebounds and dished out five assists in 37 minutes. Her scoring outburst was a season high and pivotal in Oakland’s offensive efficiency, which posted an offensive rating of 117.8 points per 100 possessions compared to Robert Morris’s 90.9.

The Colonials, who fell to 17-11 overall, controlled the first half with disciplined defense, limiting Oakland to just 22 points on 29% shooting. Robert Morris built its lead behind Eva Levingston, who finished with 21 points and six rebounds. The Colonials led 17-11 after one quarter and extended the margin to 30-22 by halftime.

Oakland’s defensive pressure intensified after the break, creating transition opportunities. The Golden Grizzlies recorded five steals and forced 10 Colonial turnovers overall, converting them into seven points. Meanwhile, Robert Morris’s offense stagnated, managing only two assists for the entire game and shooting 39.7% from the field.

Following its third-quarter explosion, Oakland maintained control in the fourth, scoring 24 points to secure the win. The Golden Grizzlies sealed the game at the free-throw line, making 8 of 9 attempts, including critical makes in the final minute. Filippa Goula, a guard from Ano Liosia, Greece, provided crucial support for Oakland with 16 points, five rebounds and four assists. Center Lianna Baxter added eight points and eight rebounds.

For Robert Morris, Bailey Kuhns contributed 11 points and eight rebounds, and Aislin Malcolm added 12 points. The Colonials’ offense was hampered by cold shooting from beyond the arc, making only 6 of 21 three-point attempts.

The victory improved Oakland’s record to 10-17 overall and avenged a close loss in the teams’ previous meeting on Dec. 29, a 61-58 Robert Morris defeat in Moon Township. The win also defied the pregame statistical projections, which heavily favored the Colonials.

A crowd of 678 at the O’rena watched Oakland execute its second-half game plan with precision, outscoring Robert Morris 49-31 over the final two quarters. The Golden Grizzlies shot 48.2% from the field for the game and outscored the Colonials 28-22 in the paint.

Robert Morris will look to rebound at home against Wright State on Feb. 28. Oakland continues its homestand, hosting Northern Kentucky on Feb. 25 before traveling to face Cleveland State on Feb. 28.