Xavier suffers shocking home defeat to Oakland in basketball upset

When previewing Xavier’s matchup with Oakland, head coach Sean Miller described the Golden Grizzlies as a “dangerous team” that always finds success in November or December.

On Monday night at Cintas Center, Miller’s prediction came true as Oakland dealt Xavier a harsh non-conference defeat, 78-76.

Oakland had an answer every time Xavier gained momentum. Xavier led momentarily at 69-66 with less than five minutes remaining. However, Oakland countered with a 12-7 run to close out the game.

The Golden Grizzlies’ forward Trey Townsend shone bright in clutch moments, contributing significantly in the game. He secured an offensive rebound and a three-point play to tie the score at 66-66 and then added three contested field goals to finish with a high of 28 points in the game.

Oakland matches Xavier blow-for-blow in the first half

Xavier’s opponents had been shooting at just 37% from the field this season, but Oakland defied those odds. The Golden Grizzlies shot at an impressive 54.8% and capitalized on Xavier’s inexperience in the frontcourt, scoring 24 points in the paint during the first half.

Townsend, an All-Horizon League selection last season, led the first half scoring with 16 points on 6-of-9 shooting as Oakland relied on the 6-foot-6 forward.

Trey Green provides a spark off the bench

Oakland took an early 17-9 lead, bolstered by Chris Conway’s points (X-of-X shooting). Xavier coach Miller then turned to freshman Trey Green, who immediately delivered by draining a deep 3-pointer to spark a 9-2 run. Green’s contribution helped Xavier close the deficit before Oakland pushed its lead to 31-25, prompting Green to connect again from the perimeter.

Despite Xavier’s 46.2% field goal shooting in the first half, the team managed to make 13-of-16 free throws.

What’s next?

Xavier is set to face undefeated No. 6 Houston (7-0) in its second AP Top 5 matchup of the season at Cintas Center on Friday, Dec. 1, as part of the Big East-Big 12 Battle.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Xavier vs. Oakland basketball: Musketeers fall to Golden Grizzlies