Dec. 30, 2006

Final Stats |  Quotes |  Notes

ROCHESTER, Mich. (AP) -- Erik Kangas matched a career high with 21 points and Vova Severovas added 17 points and eight rebounds as Oakland defeated Toledo 88-78 in a non-conference game Saturday.

The Golden Grizzlies (7-8) ended a four-game losing streak, while Toledo (4-8) has lost three straight. Both teams begin conference play next week.

Derick Nelson added 13 points and six rebounds for Oakland.

Senior forward Keonta Howell led the Rockets with 23 points and senior guard Justin Ingram added 22. The pair scored Toledo's final 25 points, including 21 in the final four minutes. Senior forward Florentino Valencia finished with 19 despite a first-half ankle injury.

Oakland led 42-31 at the half and held a double-digit lead for most of the second half. The Golden Grizzlies clinched the game by going 16-of-21 from the free-throw line in the final 3:55.

In the game, Oakland attempted 38 free throws to just 10 for the Rockets, which made the difference in a game that saw both teams shoot over 50 percent from the floor.

The Golden Grizzlies begin Mid-Continent Conference action Thursday against IUPUI, while Toledo opens Mid-American Conference play Saturday at Ball State.