Oakland University
Monday, March 16, 2009

OU men to host post-season play Tuesday

Senior Erik Kangas ranks fourth in the nation with 127 3-pointers made.

Senior Erik Kangas ranks fourth in the nation with 127 3-pointers made.
By Katie Land, news editor 

For the first time in school history, Oakland University will play host to a post-season men’s basketball game for the inaugural CollegeInsider.com Postseason Tournament. The Golden Grizzlies will take on Kent State at 7 p.m. Tuesday night inside the Athletics Center O’Rena.

“This is a tremendous opportunity for Oakland. We are honored to be chosen to participate in the inaugural CollegeInsider.com tournament,” said Tracy Huth, director of athletics. “Knowing that we have been rewarded with postseason selection speaks highly of program’s success. Anytime you can extend the excitement of college basketball on your campus to postseason, you have to be pleased.”

Preparations for the big event began immediately after the announcement was made Sunday night. The Athletics Department has been working diligently to get the word out to all university and local communities, according to Huth.

The department has committed to keeping prices low for post-season play and is still offering the first 250 students and 500 fans a $5 food voucher, with promises of more giveaways throughout the game.

Doors will open at 6 p.m. with free seating for all students. Tickets for the general public are $5. Tickets are available by calling the ticket office at (248) 370-4000 or by visiting the ticket office in the Oakland Athletics Center.

“This is a great opportunity for the community and college basketball fans to experience postseason play and I would anticipate people taking advantage of the ability to see this game,” Huth said.

The Athletics Department is anticipating a near sell-out crowd to support the Golden Grizzlies on their own turf. Huth credits fans, and particularly students, with the team’s undefeated record this year at home, calling the Grizz Gang a key ingredient to their success.

Huth also has great faith in his team. “It promises to be a great game to watch. We are undefeated against the MAC this season. We want this record as well as the postseason to continue beyond Tuesday night.”

After winning a Division I era record 22 games, the Golden Grizzlies (22-12) are part of a 16-team tournament that will be single-elimination consisting of four rounds.

Oakland currently holds the 11th-best home winning streak in the nation with 13 straight. The Golden Grizzlies defeated Toledo (67-58) and Eastern Michigan (66-53) out of the MAC and are 5-1 against teams that hail from the MAC in their last six.

Visit www.ougrizzlies.com for regular updates on the Golden Grizzlies' postseason.
For the first time in school history, Oakland University will play host to a post-season men’s basketball game for the inaugural CollegeInsider.com Postseason Tournament. The Golden Grizzlies will take on Kent State at 7 p.m. Tuesday night inside the Athletics Center O’Rena.

Created by Katherine Land - Deleted (land@oakland.edu) on Monday, March 16, 2009
Modified by David Groves (groves@oakland.edu) on Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Article Start Date: Monday, March 16, 2009