Walker scores 30, Oakland beats Georgia 86-79 (Dec 23, 2016)
ROCHESTER, Mich. (AP) Martez Walker scored 25 of his game-high 30 points in the second half, leading Oakland to an 86-79 win over Georgia on Friday night.
Sherron Dorsey-Walker added 12 points and five rebounds for the Golden Grizzlies (10-3), who snapped a two-game losing streak. It was Oakland's first win over Georgia (8-4) in program history.
J.J. Frazier had 22 points, Juwan Parker scored 15 and Derek Ogbeide finished with 13 points and 12 rebounds for the Bulldogs, who had their three-game win streak snapped.
Oakland trailed 45-38 at the half, but surged to a 61-51 advantage with 14 minutes left and never trailed again.
Georgia fought back, however, cutting the deficit to 65-62 on Parker's layup and free throw with 8:30 remaining. Walker's 3-pointer halted the Bulldogs' run and helped Oakland regain the momentum.
The Bulldogs got within 75-71 on Jordan Harris' layup with 3:36 left, but Xavier Hill-Mais hit two free throws to push Oakland's lead back to six.
Walker's 3-pointer gave the Golden Grizzlies an 81-75 edge, helping seal the win.
BIG PICTURE:
Georgia: After shooting 50 percent from the field in the first half, the Bulldogs cooled down and shot 40 percent in the final 20 minutes. The Bulldogs couldn't overcome a hot shooting second half by Oakland, which made 15 of 28 field-goal attempts. Georgia had beaten Oakland in the teams' only other matchup before Friday night.
Oakland: The Golden Grizzlies, who were coming off losses to Northeastern and Michigan State, picked up an important win over a quality opponent. Oakland improved to 2-0 all time at home against SEC opponents, also beating Tennessee in 2011.
UP NEXT
Georgia: The Bulldogs begin SEC action on Thursday at Auburn.
Oakland: The Golden Grizzlies host Wright State on Thursday to begin Horizon League play.
