An intriguing matchup tips off Wednesday night as the Oakland Golden Grizzlies head to Houston to face the nation’s top-ranked Cougars.
A Mid-Major Giant Meets a National Power
It’s the first meeting between the two programs since 2011, when Oakland pulled off a narrow upset. This time, the challenge looks far greater as they enter one of college basketball’s most intimidating home courts, the Fertitta Center.
TV Schedule: Wednesday, November 12, 7:00 pm CT, ESPN+
Arena: Fertitta Center, Houston, Texas
Oakland’s Uphill Battle Against the Nation’s Best
Longtime head coach Greg Kampe continues to take on all challengers, as Oakland faces its third straight Top 10 opponent to open the season. After losses to Michigan and Purdue, the Golden Grizzlies now meet the top team in the country.
Kampe entered the year with 715 career wins, all at Oakland, and is one of the longest-tenured coaches in the game. His team finished 15-18 last year after reaching the NCAA Tournament in 2024, and he’s determined to guide them back to March Madness.
Ziare Wells has been a bright spot, averaging 17.5 points per game while playing nearly every minute. Brody Robinson adds 11 points and 4.5 assists per contest, while Isaac Garrett has chipped in 15 per game. Oakland’s offense will need every bit of that firepower to compete against Houston’s suffocating defense.
After this matchup, the Golden Grizzlies will return home to face Defiance before hitting the road again to meet Central Florida and Eastern Michigan. December brings another major test with a trip to Michigan State.
Houston Keeps Rolling Under Sampson
Houston looks every bit the part of the nation’s best team so far. After a run to last year’s NCAA title game, the Cougars have started strong with comfortable wins over Lehigh and Towson. A Sunday matchup with Auburn looms, but first, they’ll look to stay perfect at home.
Emmanuel Sharp leads the Cougars in scoring at 16.5 points per game, while Kingston Flemings has been red-hot, hitting nearly 79 percent of his shots and adding 14 points per game. Milos Uzan rounds out a balanced attack with 11.5 per contest.
True to form, Kelvin Sampson’s team remains elite defensively. The Cougars are allowing just 52.5 points per game, forcing teams into tough shots and long scoring droughts. Sampson, who recently earned his 800th career win, continues to build a powerhouse that overwhelms opponents on both ends.
Prediction: Cougars Pull Away Early
This game sets up as another showcase for Houston’s defense and depth. Oakland has shown flashes of competitiveness, but scoring against the Cougars inside the Fertitta Center will be a massive challenge. Expect the Cougars to take control early and never look back.
Prediction: Houston 78, Oakland 53