Commemorate Oakland Basketball’s Heartbreaking Loss to NC State in of the NCAA Tournament Battle

Oakland’s NCAA Dream Ends Amidst Heroics and Heartbreak

Oakland’s unforgettable NCAA journey concluded on Saturday as the 14th seed Golden Grizzlies were edged out 79-73 in overtime by 11th seed NC State at PPG Paints Arena, just two days after their stunning victory over 3rd seed Kentucky. Coach Greg Kampe reflected on the abrupt end: “It’s tough because it’s over.”

The match saw Oakland’s Trey Townsend and Jack Gohlke shine, despite the loss. Townsend, the Horizon League Player of the Year, scored 30 points with 13 rebounds, while Gohlke added 22 points and eight rebounds. However, N.C. State’s DJ Burns was a force to be reckoned with, contributing 24 points and 10 rebounds, supported by four teammates who also hit double figures.

Townsend acknowledged Burns’ impact, “He was a load. We tried everything, but luck wasn’t on our side.” Oakland’s thrilling run, marked by moments of brilliance and unity, may have ended, but their spirit and fight remain a highlight of the tournament.

A Thrilling Overtime Battle

In an electrifying overtime showdown, the game was knotted at 66 when Townsend split free throws to kick things off. Quickly, Burns countered with a sleek finger-roll layup, setting the stage for a nail-biting finale. Despite Townsend’s free throws nudging Oakland ahead, Burns’ relentless hustle led to a decisive offensive rebound and putback off a missed 3-pointer, pushing N.C. State into a lead they’d fiercely hold onto.

Kampe marveled at the unlikely trajectory of the pivotal rebound, a testament to the unpredictable nature of basketball. As the clock wound down, strategic plays unfolded with DJ Horne’s mid-range jumper and Jayden Taylor’s crucial 3-pointer widening N.C. State’s lead, despite Oakland’s valiant efforts to close the gap.

In the dying moments, Burns’ flawless free throws seemed to seal the deal, but Oakland’s Cole struck a 3-pointer, igniting fleeting hopes. Yet, Gohlke’s missed 3-pointer as time expired symbolized the end of Oakland’s valiant journey, underscoring the fine margins that define the game’s closing moments. N.C. State’s defense, lauded by Gohlke, ultimately steered them to a victory, emphasizing the critical importance of execution in crunch time.

Heart-Stopping Finale on the Court

In the game’s last breaths, Oakland, trailing for most of the match, narrowed their deficit to four points with a critical 3-pointer by Gohlke, his sixth, after a masterful fake. Moments later, Townsend’s three-point play flipped the script, giving Oakland a slender lead. But NC State’s O’Connell wasn’t done yet, scoring a pivotal layup plus a foul to reclaim the lead.

With the clock ticking down, Gohlke’s cool free throws once again leveled the game. Oakland aimed for a winning shot, intending for Townsend to make a decisive move. However, a misstep in execution led to a turnover, squandering their last chance. Despite a missed halfcourt shot from N.C. State, the game’s ending was a testament to the unpredictable drama of basketball, highlighting both teams’ resilience and strategic gambits in the face of pressure.

A Fierce Comeback Golden Grizzlies Vs Wolfpack

In a tense match, the Golden Grizzlies faced an early setback, missing most of their initial shots, mirroring their previous game’s slow start. However, Horne quickly lit up the scoreboard for the Wolfpack with a series of impressive plays, including a layup, a 3-pointer, and a floater, swiftly accumulating the team’s first seven points. Burns followed suit, contributing with a skillful hook shot, pushing their lead to 9-2.

The atmosphere electrified when Conway slammed a powerful put-back dunk, and Gohlke, receiving a thunderous standing ovation upon entering, narrowed the gap with his first 3-pointer, drawing OU closer at 9-7. Coach Kampe marveled at the crowd’s intense reaction, highlighting the unprecedented support for Gohlke.

https://t.co/ZMxOCW623L

The magic ran out, but not without a fight as Oakland basketball fell to NC State, 79-73, in overtime in the second round of the NCAA tournament.

— ~Big Suge~ (@TheRealBigSuge) March 24, 2024

https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/college/2024/03/23/oakland-takes-n-c-state-to-overtime-but-ride-ends-79-73/73082802007/

N.C. State’s defense, rotating through several players to guard Gohlke, initially kept him at bay. Nevertheless, Gohlke found his moment, launching another 3-point attempt, though it missed. The Wolfpack capitalized, extending their lead, but Lampman’s consecutive 3-pointers kept OU in the game.

As the game progressed, key plays by Conway and Gohlke, including a top-of-the-key 3-pointer by Gohlke, brought OU within three points. By halftime, despite their shooting struggles, N.C. State held a 32-29 lead, buoyed by their dominance in the paint, setting up a nail-biting second half.

A Dramatic Shift of Momentum

In a focused effort, Oakland consistently fed the ball to Townsend, beginning the second half with him spearheading their offensive plays. Despite an initial miss and splitting free throws, Townsend’s resilience shone through with a skillful hook shot and a swift layup, closing the gap against N.C. State to a mere two points.

 

Coach Kampe emphasized a strategy of pushing the pace off rebounds or scores, a tactic that evidently paid off with increased fluidity and several key possessions for Oakland. However, N.C. State quickly retaliated, expanding their lead once more.

Undeterred, Townsend and Gohlke rallied, with Townsend completing a three-point play and Gohlke landing a pivotal three-pointer following a turnover. This effort brought Oakland to a 42-42 tie, marking their comeback.

N.C. State, however, responded with precision from beyond the arc, momentarily widening the lead. Yet, Townsend and Gohlke were relentless, with Gohlke’s four-point play notably narrowing the gap to two. As the game progressed, both teams exchanged blows with N.C. State maintaining a slim lead into the final timeout, setting the stage for an intense conclusion.