Game Preview: Oakland vs. Rochester College

Game 13: Oakland (6-6) vs Rochester College (8-5)

Monday, December 20, 2010 | 7:30pm at the O'rena

Watch: OU All-Access ($) | Radio: WXOU-FM (88.3)

Oakland heads home for its first non-league home game of the season on Monday night. It comes at the end of a brutal stretch of games against Illinois, Michigan State, Tennessee, and Michigan, however it is also the second game to be played of four over a six day period. Although no team should be overlooked, there is no doubting Oakland's history of dominance of Rochester College, located just down the street from Oakland on Avon Road. The Warriors are based out of the United States Collegiate Athletic Association and have an 8-5 record at their level. Their only DI opponent thus far was Kent State of the MAC, and the Golden Flashes won that game easily with a final score of 81-44. Expect RoCo to do the best they can to keep the game close as the team always has a lot of support for the annual game at Oakland.

More On The Game

We're nixing the traditional preview format for this one in favor of some quick thoughts on the game. At the top of this fan's wishlist is plenty of playing time for Ryan Bass, Drew Maynard, and Ilija. Bass played great against Michigan when he was used primarily to help press the Wolverines and could benefit from some extended time in the game on Monday night. Maynard needs the time more than any player since he just got back with the team a little less than a week ago. Finally, Ilija can always use time on the court. He's been solid as of late and one has to think he could use his size advantage to work on his post moves.

The other reason why it'd be great to see these guys in extended spurts is because the starters will need rest. The game on Tuesday will be against a formidable opponent no matter what, and it is important that the team does not have a letdown on its home court against either a MAC or Horizon League opponent (or from a different perspective, an in-state team or old rival). Also looming ahead is the showdown in Columbus with an Ohio State team that will most likely continue to be in the top five once the new polls are released after great performances in the prior week. That game will be of increased importance for Keith Benson as he'll go up against freshman big man Jared Sullinger. Sully has put himself in the discussion not just for freshman of the year but also player of the year with the way he has been playing. So here's to hoping Oakland can run out to an early lead in order to rest the starters for the coming games.