AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — In a thrilling college basketball matchup on Wednesday evening, the Oakland Golden Grizzlies secured a narrow 76-72 victory over the Purdue Fort Wayne Mastodons, thanks in large part to the impressive performances of Allen Mukeba and Tuburu Niavalurua.

Mukeba excelled on both ends of the court, contributing 22 points and collecting 11 rebounds, while Niavalurua matched his scoring with another 22 points and added eight rebounds to the team’s effort. The Golden Grizzlies now hold a record of 9-12 overall and stand at 6-4 in the Horizon League. Jaylen Jones also made a notable impact, finishing the game with 12 points.

On the other side, the Mastodons—now sporting a record of 14-7 and 7-3 in the Horizon League—had Jalen Jackson as their top performer, netting 17 points. Alongside him, Chandler Cuthrell contributed 13 points and pulled down seven rebounds, while Quinton Morton-Robertson chipped in with 11 points.

This exciting matchup showcased the competitive spirit of both teams as they vied for crucial league positioning, particularly as the season progresses. The Golden Grizzlies’ ability to close out the game marked a significant moment for their campaign, while the Mastodons will look to regroup in their upcoming contests.