Leathernecks not so tough, Kangaroos next

Oakland advances with ease in quarter finals
By Samantha Franz
Sports Editor

The last time the Golden Grizzlies faced the Leathernecks of Western Illinois University, thousands of OU fans were left in dismay as the low-ranked team handed Oakland a 65-64 loss on the O'Rena floor.

Oakland was ready for them in last night's rematch and the Golden Grizzlies cruised to an easy 74-57 victory.

"Obviously, we were prepared to play," said head coach Greg Kampe. "I think Western had a season-changing win at our place and I think that really motivated us."

One player who surely had a fire lit under him was senior Rick Billings. After coming off the bench for a majority of the season due to injury, Derick Nelson gave him to okay to have his starting spot back for the tournament. After all, it could be Billings's last game in an OU uniform.

Riding on a career-high 4 3-pointers, Billings helped propel the Golden Grizzlies to a huge first half as they entered the locker rooms with a 41-19 lead. Oakland shot 63% from the field compared to WIU's 22% and 80% 3-point shooting versus the Leathernecks's 14%.

The second half showed signs of life for WIU as they more than doubled their shooting percentage. However, Oakland had too much of a lead for WIU to chip away at and with six players in double figures, WIU would have no choice but to take an early exit from the tournament.

"I think what as lost in all of that was how we defended," Kampe said. "I have a great coaching staff and they did a wonderful job preparing these guys for what Western does. We took it away from them in the first ten minutes of that game, so it was very pleasing."

With one game under their belt, Oakland will face UMKC tomorrow at 8:30 CST. The sixth seeded Kangaroos pulled a 86-74 upset over number three Valpo Sunday night.