Oakland Golden Grizzlies Fall to Siena Saints in TD Bank Classic Semifinal

Strategic Insights -

The Oakland Golden Grizzlies battled hard but ultimately fell to the Siena Saints 78-71 in a TD Bank Classic semifinal matchup on November 26 at the Patrick Gymnasium. The game's turning point came in the third quarter, as Siena outscored Oakland 10-0, giving them a lead that they would maintain throughout the fourth quarter. Oakland's freshman point guard, Brooke Daniels, led the team in scoring with 18 points, while also notching a career-high 7 rebounds and 3 assists.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Siena Saints outshot the Oakland Golden Grizzlies, with a 47.3% compared to 32.3% from the field, and 40% compared to 20% from 3-point range.
  • Brooke Daniels led the Golden Grizzlies with 18 points, tying her with junior forward Alexis Johnson for the team lead, and added a career-high 7 rebounds and 3 assists.
  • Valencia Fontenelle-Posson tallied a game-high 19 points for the Saints, with classmates Anajah Brown, Emina Selimovic, and junior Ahniysha Jackson joining her in double figures.
  • Oakland held a 5-point lead after the first 20 minutes of play but were unable to maintain it, ultimately falling short by 7 points.
  • The Golden Grizzlies shot 82.8% from the free throw line, hitting 24 of 29 attempts, while Siena was 26-55 from the field.
  • Siena outrebounded Oakland 45-36, including 12 offensive boards, and had 12 assists compared to Oakland's 9.

Statistics:

  • Siena Saints:

+ Shot 47.3% (26-55) from the field

+ Made 30.4% (15-50) of shots from the paint, including 6-15 (40%) from behind the arc

+ Outrebounded Oakland 45-36

+ Had 12 assists and 12 turnovers

  • Oakland Golden Grizzlies:

+ Shot 32.3% (21-65) from the field

+ Made 20% (5-25) of shots from 3-point range

+ Were 82.8% (24-29) from the free throw line

+ Had 9 assists and 11 turnovers

  • Brooke Daniels (Oakland):

+ Scored a career-high 18 points

+ Had a career-high 7 rebounds and 3 assists

Sources:

  • Oakland University Athletics, TD Bank Classic Semifinal Game Recap, November 26
  • Lansing State Journal, Oakland Grizzlies fall to Siena Saints in TD Bank Classic semifinal