Oakland Golden Grizzlies Edge Northern Kentucky Norse
Wednesday, December 17, 2025, 7:00 PM ET · Truist Arena
Oakland Golden Grizzlies 82, Northern Kentucky Norse 77, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Oakland Golden Grizzlies vs Northern Kentucky Norse?
Oakland Golden Grizzlies beat Northern Kentucky Norse 82-77 at Truist Arena on December 17, 2025.
Who was favored in Oakland Golden Grizzlies vs Northern Kentucky Norse?
Northern Kentucky Norse were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -180 (about 64% implied). The underdog won.
In a thrilling matchup at Truist Arena, the Oakland Golden Grizzlies triumphed over the Northern Kentucky Norse with a final score of 82-77. This victory marks a significant moment for Oakland, who improved their record to 7-6, while Northern Kentucky fell to 9-5 on the season. The game showcased the competitive spirit and skill of both teams, making it a noteworthy fixture in the NCAAB landscape.
Northern Kentucky entered the game with a solid home record of 6-0 and had been in impressive form, winning eight of their last ten games. Their recent performance included victories against teams like Bellarmine Knights and Brescia Bearcats, with an average of 84.7 points scored and 72.1 points allowed during this stretch. However, they faced a tough challenge against an Oakland team that had been inconsistent, holding a 6-6 overall record and 2-5 in away games. Oakland's recent form had seen them score an average of 84.9 points while allowing 81.5 points, indicating a high-scoring style of play.
The game was tightly contested, with both teams exchanging leads throughout. The Norse had a strong start but could not maintain their momentum as the Golden Grizzlies capitalized on critical moments in the second half. Notably, Brody Robinson played a pivotal role for Oakland, contributing crucial free throws that extended their lead late in the game. His performance was instrumental in sealing the victory for the Grizzlies, who had been looking to bounce back after a loss to Northern Iowa Panthers just days prior.
Historically, the matchup between these two teams has been competitive, with the record standing at 1-1 for the current season. Earlier in the year, Oakland had defeated Northern Kentucky 84-75 in a game held on February 1, while the Norse had taken a loss at home on January 11, with a score of 53-68. This latest encounter added another chapter to their rivalry, showcasing the intensity and unpredictability of college basketball.
In terms of injuries, the block does not provide specific details, but both teams have had to navigate the challenges of player availability throughout the season. The depth of the roster and the ability to adapt to injuries can often play a crucial role in the outcome of tightly contested games like this one.
Betting odds from DraftKings indicated that Northern Kentucky was favored by 3.5 points, with a total set at 163.5. The odds reflected the expectations surrounding the game, considering Northern Kentucky's strong home record. However, the Golden Grizzlies defied those expectations with their performance, demonstrating their capability to compete on the road.
The conditions at Truist Arena were conducive to an exciting game, with both teams bringing their A-game. Fans witnessed a high-paced contest filled with scoring runs and critical defensive stops. Viewers were treated to a showcase of talent, particularly from players like Tuburu Naivalurua, who made key plays in the second half, including a crucial layup that kept the game within reach for the Norse.
As the game progressed, it became evident that the Golden Grizzlies' ability to execute in clutch moments would be the deciding factor. Northern Kentucky fought hard to stay in the game, but ultimately, Oakland's resilience and strategic execution in the final minutes led them to victory. The final score of 82-77 not only highlighted the competitive nature of the matchup but also set the stage for future encounters between these two teams as they continue their respective seasons.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | NKU -3.5 | 163.5 o -112 / u -108 | Oakland Golden Grizzlies +150 · Northern Kentucky Norse -180 |
Leaders
- PointsKael Robinson22Northern Kentucky Norse
- AssistsLJ Wells6Northern Kentucky Norse
- ReboundsLJ Wells9Northern Kentucky Norse
- PointsMichael Houge18Oakland Golden Grizzlies
- AssistsBrody Robinson6Oakland Golden Grizzlies
- ReboundsIsaac Garrett11Oakland Golden Grizzlies
Recent form
Northern Kentucky Norse
Last 10: 8-2Streak W284.7 scored · 72.1 allowed per game6-0 at home
- W80-76at Bellarmine KnightsDec 13
- W92-53vs Brescia BearcatsDec 10
- L77-79at Purdue Fort Wayne MastodonsDec 6
- W95-80vs Cleveland State VikingsDec 4
- W74-65vs Boston University TerriersNov 29
- W93-83vs Wofford TerriersNov 26
- W82-71vs Eastern Kentucky ColonelsNov 25
- W90-66at Central Michigan ChippewasNov 21
- W101-73vs Cumberlands PatriotsNov 16
- L63-75at East Tennessee State BuccaneersNov 13
Oakland Golden Grizzlies
Last 10: 5-5Streak L184.9 scored · 81.5 allowed per game2-5 away
- L63-75at Northern Iowa PanthersDec 13
- W98-97vs Toledo RocketsDec 6
- W101-92vs Purdue Fort Wayne MastodonsDec 4
- W95-87at Montana GrizzliesNov 26
- W83-68at Lamar CardinalsNov 24
- L91-97at Eastern Michigan EaglesNov 21
- L83-87at UCF KnightsNov 18
- W113-47vs Defiance Yellow JacketsNov 15
- L45-78at Houston CougarsNov 13
- L77-87at Purdue BoilermakersNov 8
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wright State | 23-12 | - | 15-5 |
| Robert Morris | 22-11 | 2 | 13-7 |
| Green Bay | 18-15 | 3 | 12-8 |
| Detroit Mercy | 17-15 | 3 | 12-8 |
| Oakland | 16-16 | 3 | 12-8 |
| Purdue Fort Wayne | 17-15 | 4 | 11-9 |
| Northern Kentucky | 20-14 | 5 | 10-10 |
| Youngstown State | 15-17 | 7 | 8-12 |
| Milwaukee | 12-20 | 7 | 8-12 |
| Cleveland State | 11-22 | 9 | 6-14 |
| IU Indianapolis | 7-25 | 12 | 3-17 |
Box score
| Stat | Oakland Golden Grizzlies | Northern Kentucky Norse |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 28-61 | 31-70 |
| Field goal % | 46 | 44 |
| Three-pointers | 6-18 | 6-26 |
| Three-point % | 33 | 23 |
| Free throws | 20-29 | 9-12 |
| Free throw % | 69 | 75 |
| Rebounds | 39 | 38 |
| Offensive rebounds | 12 | 13 |
| Defensive rebounds | 27 | 25 |
| Assists | 17 | 19 |
| Steals | 7 | 5 |
| Blocks | 0 | 9 |
| Turnovers | 10 | 10 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 12 | 8 |
| Fast-break points | 18 | 13 |
| Points in the paint | 40 | 50 |
| Fouls | 16 | 21 |
| Largest lead | 6 | 3 |
| Lead changes | 18 | 18 |
| Time in front | 67 | 20 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half46-43Michael Houge makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half46-45Kael Robinson makes layup (Ethan Elliott assists)
- 2nd Half48-45Michael Houge makes layup (Tuburu Naivalurua assists)
- 2nd Half48-47LJ Wells makes driving layup (Tae Dozier assists)
- 2nd Half51-47Ziare Wells makes 24-foot three point jumper (Isaac Garrett assists)
- 2nd Half53-47Ziare Wells makes driving layup
- 2nd Half53-49Ethan Elliott makes layup (Dan Gherezgher assists)
- 2nd Half55-49Tuburu Naivalurua makes layup (Brody Robinson assists)
- 2nd Half55-52Kael Robinson makes 27-foot three point jumper (Ethan Elliott assists)
- 2nd Half57-52Ziare Wells makes layup
- 2nd Half57-54Kael Robinson makes layup
- 2nd Half57-56Donovan Oday makes driving layup
- 2nd Half58-56Ziare Wells makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half60-56Michael Houge makes 8-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half60-58Ryan Tolliver makes layup
- 2nd Half62-58Michael Houge makes 9-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half62-60Kael Robinson makes layup (Dan Gherezgher assists)
- 2nd Half64-60Isaac Garrett makes 7-foot jumper (Brody Robinson assists)
- 2nd Half64-61Donovan Oday makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half64-62Donovan Oday makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half66-62Brett White II makes layup (Michael Houge assists)
- 2nd Half66-64Kael Robinson makes layup (LJ Wells assists)
- 2nd Half66-66Tae Dozier makes layup
- 2nd Half66-68Ethan Elliott makes 2-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half69-68Khoi Thurmon makes 26-foot three point jumper (Isaac Garrett assists)
- 2nd Half69-70Kael Robinson makes layup (LJ Wells assists)
- 2nd Half70-70Tuburu Naivalurua makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half71-70Tuburu Naivalurua makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half71-73Tae Dozier makes 24-foot three point jumper (Kael Robinson assists)
- 2nd Half74-73Brett White II makes 23-foot three point jumper (Isaac Garrett assists)
- 2nd Half74-74Donovan Oday makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half74-75Donovan Oday makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half76-75Tuburu Naivalurua makes layup (Isaac Garrett assists)
- 2nd Half77-75Brody Robinson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half78-75Brody Robinson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half78-77Tae Dozier makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half79-77Brody Robinson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half80-77Brody Robinson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half81-77Brody Robinson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half82-77Brody Robinson makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Northern Kentucky Norse, below favours Oakland Golden Grizzlies.
Venue
- Truist ArenaHighland Heights, KY
- Attendance1714
- OfficialsMichael Irving, Andy O'Brien, Jourdan Love
Elsewhere
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- Tennessee's Ralph Scott to have knee surgery, out at least 6 months
- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond