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Oakland Golden Grizzlies vs Purdue Boilermakers Game Preview
The Oakland Golden Grizzlies face another monumental challenge Friday as they travel to West Lafayette to take on the Purdue Boilermakers, the nation’s top-ranked team.
Oakland (0–1) opened its season Monday against No. 7 Michigan, falling 121–78 but still showing glimpses of promise for head coach Greg Kampe. Now, the mid-major program dives deeper into its brutal nonconference schedule, which also includes a trip to No. 2 Houston next week.
For Purdue (1–0), the home opener against Evansville provided an early test of focus and composure under the weight of national championship expectations. The Boilermakers cruised to an 82–51 victory, but head coach Matt Painter reminded his team that being ranked No. 1 in November means little if they don’t keep improving.
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Odds and Key Information
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Spread | Purdue –29.5 / Oakland +29.5 |
| Moneyline | Purdue –10000 / Oakland +2000 |
| Total (O/U) | 148.5 points |
| Venue | Mackey Arena, West Lafayette, IN |
| Time | Friday, Nov. 7, 7:00 PM ET |
| Broadcast | Big Ten Network |
Purdue has won all three prior meetings against Oakland, most recently 93–50 in December 2020.
Oakland Outlook
The Oakland Golden Grizzlies know their early-season gauntlet is about growth more than results. Coach Greg Kampe, entering his 40th season, believes testing his team against elite opponents builds toughness that pays off in Horizon League play.
Despite Monday’s lopsided loss to Michigan, Oakland’s offensive core showed flashes. Senior forward Tuburu Naivalurua — the Horizon League Preseason Player of the Year — scored 18 points and held his own inside against the Wolverines’ frontcourt. He’ll be key again versus Purdue’s size.
Oakland relies heavily on its perimeter shooting and up-tempo style. Guards Blake Lampman and Jack Gohlke combined for 32 points in the opener, but the Grizzlies’ defense allowed 63% shooting inside the arc. Against Purdue’s interior attack, Oakland must find a way to protect the paint while staying disciplined on closeouts.
The Golden Grizzlies averaged 76.4 points per game last season and ranked top-20 nationally in three-point attempts. Their success depends on whether they can turn the game into a pace battle rather than a half-court grind.
Purdue Outlook
The Purdue Boilermakers opened their season with a commanding 82–51 win over Evansville, giving fans their first look at a reloaded roster built to chase a national title. With Zach Edey now gone, head coach Matt Painter is reestablishing Purdue’s identity around a talented frontcourt trio.
Senior Trey Kaufman-Renn, who had appeared in 110 straight games, missed the opener with a hip injury and remains questionable. That absence opened the door for 7-foot-4 sophomore Daniel Jacobsen and South Dakota State transfer Oscar Cluff, both of whom impressed with their activity around the rim.
Jacobsen’s length and Cluff’s post polish give Purdue two legitimate interior scoring threats, while guards Braden Smith and Fletcher Loyer handle the perimeter production. Painter emphasized humility despite the No. 1 ranking: “We didn’t earn it this season yet. We’re still on proving ground.”
Defensively, Purdue looked sharp against Evansville, holding the Purple Aces to 30.9% shooting and forcing 14 turnovers. Expect Painter’s squad to focus again on interior control, rebounding, and pace discipline against a smaller, faster Oakland team.
Key Storylines
Oakland’s gauntlet continues – After Michigan and Purdue, the Golden Grizzlies face No. 2 Houston. Kampe views the challenge as an opportunity to harden his team for March.
Purdue’s post presence – With Edey gone, the Boilermakers’ new frontcourt tandem of Cluff and Jacobsen must continue proving it can dominate the paint.
Injury watch – Trey Kaufman-Renn’s hip injury could affect Purdue’s rotation depth, but Cluff and Jacobsen are capable replacements.
Naivalurua’s spotlight – The Horizon League’s top player will measure his skill against one of college basketball’s best defensive interiors.
Mackey Arena energy – Purdue’s home crowd should fuel an early surge as the team defends its new No. 1 ranking.
Betting Trends
- Purdue is 18–2 straight up in its last 20 home games.
- Oakland is 5–2 against the spread (ATS) in its last seven games as an underdog.
- The total has gone under in four of Purdue’s last five games.
- Oakland has hit the over in five of its last six road games.
- Purdue is 3–1 ATS in its last four games against nonconference opponents.
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Predictions
The Purdue Boilermakers should dominate this matchup from the opening tip. Oakland’s undersized lineup will struggle to contain Purdue’s size inside, and turnovers could snowball early. However, the Golden Grizzlies’ perimeter shooting gives them a chance to keep it respectable late.
Projected score: Purdue 89, Oakland 63
Spread pick: Purdue –29.5
Total lean: Under 148.5
Purdue’s disciplined defense and superior rebounding should keep Oakland from generating the tempo it wants, while the Boilermakers’ depth overwhelms over 40 minutes.
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