If you drive about 26 miles north from the corner of McNichols and Fairfield in Detroit, you’ll hit Rochester. It’s a quick trip up I-75. But in the world of college basketball, that short stretch of highway represents one of the most intense, localized feuds in the mid-major landscape. We're talking about the Metro Series.
When people bring up Detroit Mercy vs Oakland, they often get caught up in the lopsided scores from the last few years. Sure, Oakland has had the upper hand lately—winning the last four matchups—but that doesn't tell the whole story. This isn't just a game; it's a fight for the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame Cup and, more importantly, bragging rights in a region that lives and breathes hoops.
Honestly, the energy at Calihan Hall or the O'rena during these games feels different than a standard Horizon League Tuesday. It’s loud. It’s sweaty. It’s personal.
The Current State of the Metro Series
Right now, we are looking at two programs heading in very different directions. Mark Montgomery is officially in the driver's seat at Detroit Mercy, trying to rebuild a Titans program that has struggled to find its identity since the Antoine Davis era ended. On the other side, Greg Kampe—the dean of active Division I coaches—continues to keep Oakland relevant, fresh off the momentum of their 2024 NCAA Tournament run.
The 2024-25 season was a sweep for the Golden Grizzlies. They took the January 18 game 65-59 in a defensive grind, then followed it up with a 93-83 overtime thriller on February 16. If you watched that OT game, you saw exactly why this rivalry is special. Detroit Mercy showed a level of grit we hadn't seen in years, nearly upsetting the Grizzlies on their home floor.
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The next scheduled clash is set for January 24, 2026, at Calihan Hall.
Recent Matchup History
- February 16, 2025: Oakland 93, Detroit Mercy 83 (OT)
- January 18, 2025: Oakland 65, Detroit Mercy 59
- March 2, 2024: Oakland 75, Detroit Mercy 70
- November 29, 2023: Oakland 65, Detroit Mercy 50
Basically, Oakland has figured out how to win the close ones. They have this knack for staying composed when the Titans start pressuring.
What Makes This Rivalry Tick?
It’s the proximity. These are the only two Division I schools in the Detroit area. Most of the kids on these rosters played against each other in high school or on the AAU circuit. You've got Orlando Lovejoy—a Detroit native and a core piece for the Titans—playing against guys like DQ Cole who grew up just down the road in Pontiac.
There’s no "feeling out" process in these games. They know each other’s moves before the whistle even blows.
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Greg Kampe's Shadow
You can't talk about Detroit Mercy vs Oakland without mentioning Kampe. He’s been at Oakland since 1984. Think about that. He’s seen Detroit Mercy go through a dozen different coaching iterations while he’s remained the constant. He treats this game like a championship every single time.
For the Titans, the goal is simple: disrupt the rhythm. Under Montgomery, they’ve moved toward a more physical, defensive-minded style. They want to make the game ugly. They want to make Oakland work for every single inch of the hardwood.
The Stats That Actually Matter
If you’re looking at the box scores, don't just look at the final score. Look at the paint points. Historically, the team that wins the battle inside wins the Metro Series. In their 2025 OT win, Oakland’s Allen Mukeba was a force, but Detroit Mercy’s rebounding kept them in the hunt until the final minutes of the extra period.
- Total Meetings: 37
- Current Series Lead: Oakland leads 22–15
- Longest Win Streak: 10 (Both teams have achieved this at different points in history)
The Titans' last real period of dominance was back when the rivalry first went Division I in the late 90s. They actually won the first ten meetings between 1973 and 2000. Since then? It’s been a lot of Golden Grizzly celebrations.
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Breaking Down the 2026 Outlook
What should you expect for the 2026 matchups?
Detroit Mercy is leaning heavily into their "Detroit Tough" recruiting. They are bringing in local guys who feel slighted by the bigger Big Ten schools. Keep an eye on the guard play. If the Titans can minimize turnovers—which was their Achilles' heel in the 2024-25 season—they can absolutely flip the script.
Oakland lost some key scoring recently, but Kampe’s system is "next man up." They rely on high-IQ players who don't beat themselves. They’ll likely try to use the three-point line to stretch the Titans' defense thin, a strategy that has served them well for decades.
How to Get the Most Out of Game Day
If you're planning on attending, here's the reality: Calihan Hall has that old-school, historic vibe that is getting harder to find. The acoustics are wild. When the Titan Pep Band gets going, you can't hear the person sitting next to you.
- Ticket Strategy: Buy early. These are often the only sellouts or near-sellouts of the season for both schools.
- The Trophy: Look for the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame Cup. It usually makes an appearance on the court.
- Parking: At Detroit Mercy, the lots fill up fast. Give yourself an extra 20 minutes. At Oakland, the O'rena is tucked back into the campus, so follow the signs for the "P-1" lots.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Bettors
Whether you're a student or someone just looking at the lines, there are a few patterns to keep in mind for Detroit Mercy vs Oakland.
- Watch the Spread: Historically, the "Under" has been a strong play when these two meet at Calihan Hall, where the rims can be a bit unforgiving to visitors.
- Second Half Surges: Oakland tends to have better depth, often pulling away in the final eight minutes of the second half.
- Home Court is Real: While Oakland has won on the road recently, the home crowd at Detroit Mercy is notoriously hostile toward the Grizzlies. It’s one of the few places where the "Sixth Man" actually impacts the officiating and the momentum.
To stay ahead of the next tip-off, keep tabs on the Horizon League standings throughout January. The first game of the 2026 series will set the tone for the entire spring. Check the official athletic sites for Detroit Mercy and Oakland University for updated roster changes or injury reports 48 hours before game time to see if any key starters are sidelined.