ROCHESTER, me. – An efficient first half combined with Torrey Patton’s team-leading third double-double of the season led Cleveland State to an 80-72 road win over Oakland at the Athletics Center O’rena on Friday night.
The win was a five-game loss to the Golden Grizzlies and brought the Vikings 13 Horizon League wins for the first time since 2010/11. It was also Cleveland State’s sixth win in their last seven road games.
As has often been the case over the past few weeks, the Vikings (13-5, 13-2 Horizon) got off to a quick start, putting together an early 12-1 run, that of two consecutive Patton buckets for a 16-6 advantage only five minutes into the competition.
The state of Cleveland connected 10 of its first 12 attempts from the field, including 4 of 5 from outside the arch. The Vikings logged assists on nine of their first 10 baskets.
Late in the first half, Jayson Woodrich restored Cleveland State’s double-digit lead at 39-29 on his second three-pointer of the night at 3:14. With just 41 seconds of play, Woodrich scored his fourth triple of the half and put the Vikings in the lead with 46:33 during the break. Cleveland State shot 63 percent (17-27) off the field while converting half of his 16 three-point attempts.
Meanwhile, the Vikings kept Oakland on the defensive and kept the Golden Grizzlies below 40 percent for half while forcing nine turnovers.
In the middle of the second frame, Gomillion blocked a shot in the paint for a quick break. D’Moi Hodge found Craig Beaudion for an open layup for the Vikings biggest lead of the night at 69-51.
Patton finished the game with 21 points, 10 boards, and four assists while shooting 9-13 off the field. Beaudion scored 14 points while handing out six team-level assists and Woodrich added 12 points from the bench.
Oakland Guard Jalen Moore led the Grizzlies (8-14, 8-7) with 20 points and 11 assists.
The Vikings and Golden Grizzlies will end the weekend series tomorrow night. Tipoff is set for 5 p.m. in Michigan.
