ROCHESTER, Mich.—
Robert Jarvis (Humble, Texas) scored 20
points, including a deep three-pointer with just over a minute
remaining as Oral Roberts University stayed perfect in Summit
League play with a 66-60 win over Oakland, Saturday at the
Athletics O'Rena.
ORU (10-5, 5-0) captured its third straight win, all on the road.
Oakland dropped to 9-8 overall, and 4-2 in league play.
A nip-and-tuck game from the start, the Golden Eagles got some
much-needed breathing room when Jarvis made his clutch shot. With
ORU leading 59-56 and the shot clock winding down, Jarvis picked up
a loose ball and frantically drained a 22-footer to give the Golden
Eagles a 62-56 lead with 1:11 to play.
A layup by Oakland's Jonathan Jones pulled the Golden Grizzlies
within 62-58 with 1:04 left. Following an ORU turnover and a missed
shot by Oakland, the Golden Eagles made four straight free throws
in the final 14 seconds to clinch their eighth consecutive win
against conference opponents.
The Golden Eagles never trailed in the second half, but couldn't
forge more than a 7-point lead. Oakland managed to tie the score
just once, when Jones made a pair of free throws to make it 33 all
with 16:38 left. ORU never trailed in the game.
ORU led 29-26 at halftime.
Jarvis finished the game 8-of-10 from the field, including 4-of-5
from three-point range. The 5-foot-11 junior enjoyed his fourth
20-point game this season, but his first since scoring 21 against
Oklahoma State on Dec. 20.
ORU continued its offensive balance, as three other players joined
Jarvis in double-digit points. Shawn
King (Bequia, St. Vincent) scored 12 points, with three
rebounds and two blocks.
Marchello Vealy (Oklahoma City, Okla.) came
off the bench with 11 points and eight rebounds, while Marcus
Lewis (Portland, Ore.) added 10 points and five boards.
Derick Nelson led Oakland with 20 points, but was just 8-of-20 from
the field. Jones scored 15 with nine assists, and Dan Waterstradt
had 10 points.
ORU shot a season-high 56.5 percent from the field, including
6-of-12 from three-point range. The Golden Eagles limited Oakland
to 40 percent shooting and just 2-of-12 from long range.
The Golden Eagles won despite being out-rebounded, 29-26, and going
just 8-of-10 from the free throw line while Oakland was
14-of-18.
Up next for ORU is a first-place showdown with IUPUI, 7:05 p.m.,
Thursday, at Mabee Center.
--ORU--
