AUBURN HILLS, Mich. (Interstat) — In a Horizon League women’s basketball clash defined by defensive pressure and a singular offensive explosion, the Detroit Titans weathered a historic scoring performance from Oakland’s Makenzie Luehring to edge the Golden Grizzlies 72-69 on Saturday at the Athletics Center O’rena.

The game’s central, conflicting narratives were written by Luehring, who poured in a game-high 33 points for Oakland, and Detroit’s Jasmine Edwards, who anchored her team with a commanding double-double of 11 points and 14 rebounds. While Luehring’s scoring kept the Golden Grizzlies within striking distance throughout, it was the Titans’ collective defensive harassment and ability to capitalize on mistakes that ultimately secured the road victory, snapping a two-game skid and improving their season record to 5-18. Oakland fell to 8-15.

The most critical phase of the contest unfolded in the third quarter. Detroit, leading 29-30 at halftime, erupted for 25 points in the period to build a crucial 54-46 advantage heading into the final frame. This surge was fueled by the very defense that defined their night. The Titans forced 19 Oakland turnovers, converting them into 19 points, while registering 11 steals. Edwards was instrumental in this effort, tallying three steals and a block to complement her work on the glass.

Oakland, refusing to capitulate, mounted a fierce fourth-quarter rally behind Luehring and Layla Gold, who finished with 14 points. The Golden Grizzlies outscored Detroit 23-18 in the final period, relentlessly attacking the basket and drawing fouls. Oakland shot 20 of 22 from the free-throw line, with Luehring going a perfect 8-for-8, to claw back into the game.

The final minutes were a tense affair of missed opportunities and key defensive stops. With Detroit clinging to a narrow lead, Oakland had a chance to tie or take the lead in the closing seconds. However, a critical offensive foul called on Oakland’s Jasmine Dupree-Hebert with 42 seconds remaining handed possession back to the Titans. After a Detroit shot clock violation, Oakland called a timeout with 13 seconds left to set up a final play, down by three.

The Golden Grizzlies’ attempt to find a game-tying three-pointer was thwarted as Lianna Baxter’s long-range attempt as time expired missed the mark, sealing the victory for Detroit.

Beyond Edwards’ all-around performance, Detroit received balanced scoring. Kailee Davis, a Detroit native, led the Titans with 20 points, including three 3-pointers. Myonna Hooper of Pontiac added 13 points and five assists, while Makayla Jackson and Aaliyah McQueen each contributed 10 points. The Titans shot 46.6% from the field and outscored Oakland 34-32 in the paint.

For Oakland, the effort beyond Luehring’s remarkable outing came from Sereniti Roberts-Adams, who posted a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds. The Golden Grizzlies, however, were hampered by their ball security and an inability to generate assists, finishing with only four as a team compared to Detroit’s 11. They also struggled from beyond the arc, hitting just 5 of 18 attempts.

The win marked a measure of revenge for Detroit, which had lost to Oakland 80-70 just three weeks prior on Jan. 18. According to Interstat’s ELO system, Oakland entered the game with an 80.9% probability to win, making the Titans’ victory a significant upset.

Detroit, which had scored only 53 and 66 points in its two previous games, found an offensive rhythm when it mattered most, particularly in the decisive third quarter. Oakland, despite the sterling efforts of Luehring, could not overcome its self-inflicted wounds and a relentless Detroit defense that controlled the glass with a 38-27 rebounding advantage, led by Edwards’ 14.

The Titans look to build on this momentum when they host Wright State on Thursday. Oakland will seek to regroup on the road at IU Indy on Wednesday.