If you’ve ever found yourself in the OU Credit Union O’rena or the Nutter Center on a cold Tuesday night, you know. It’s a specific kind of vibe. High-stakes, mid-major basketball that feels way more intense than it has any right to be. Honestly, the Oakland vs Wright State rivalry is basically the heartbeat of the Horizon League.
It’s not just about the points on the board. It’s about the clashing identities. On one side, you have the legendary Greg Kampe, the longest-tenured coach in Division I, still pacing the sidelines for Oakland with that same fire he had decades ago. On the other, a Wright State program that seems to reload every year, transition from the Scott Nagy era to Clint Sargent, and never miss a beat when it comes to being a nightmare for the rest of the conference.
What Happened in the Last Oakland vs Wright State Clash?
The most recent showdown on January 11, 2026, was a classic example of why you can't ever turn these games off early. Wright State rolled into Rochester and basically punched Oakland in the mouth from the jump. By halftime, the Golden Grizzlies were staring up at a 19-point deficit.
But if you know Kampe’s teams, you know they don't just roll over. Oakland came out in the second half and dropped 54 points. It was a scoring barrage led by Brody Robinson, who put up a career-high 35 points. He was everywhere—steals, deep threes, getting to the line.
Still, it wasn't enough. Wright State’s Solomon Callaghan was a flamethrower, hitting 6-of-9 from deep and finishing with 27. The Raiders held on for a 94-84 win, extending their win streak to six.
Breaking Down the Box Score
- Wright State's Efficiency: They shot nearly 60% from the floor. You aren't winning many games when the opponent is that dialed in.
- The Robinson Show: Brody Robinson’s 35 points kept Oakland in it, but the lack of secondary scoring hurt.
- Paint Dominance: Wright State out-rebounded Oakland 40-21. That’s the game right there. You can’t give up that many second chances and expect to beat a top-tier Horizon team.
The Kampe Factor and the New Look Raiders
Greg Kampe is a force of nature. He’s seen everything. He’s coached through conference shifts, the transfer portal explosion, and NIL. People forget that Oakland was the team that took down Kentucky in the 2024 NCAA Tournament. That DNA of "anyone, anywhere" is still there.
Wright State is in a different phase. With Clint Sargent taking the reins, there was some chatter about a potential drop-off. Clearly, that hasn't happened. They currently sit at the top of the Horizon League standings (12-7 overall, 7-1 in conference as of mid-January 2026). They've managed to integrate transfers like TJ Burch and freshmen like Kellen Pickett almost seamlessly.
Honestly, it’s impressive. Kellen Pickett specifically is a name to watch. As a freshman, he’s already recording double-doubles, like his 18-point, 11-rebound performance against Oakland.
Why the Style of Play Matters
Oakland lives and dies by the three and their unique zone defense. It’s a "matchup zone" that is famously difficult to prepare for on a short turnaround. If you haven't seen it, it looks like a 2-3 but acts like a man-to-man depending on where the ball goes.
Wright State usually counters this with high-low action and elite shooting. They lead the league in field goal percentage and three-point accuracy this season. They don't just take shots; they take good shots. In the January 2026 game, they were a perfect 15-for-15 from the free-throw line. That is how you close out a road win in a hostile environment.
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Rivalry History at a Glance
Since Oakland joined the Horizon League, this has been a back-and-forth affair.
- The Early Days: Wright State dominated the late 2010s, at one point winning eight straight against the Golden Grizzlies.
- The Shift: Oakland started finding more success in the early 2020s, particularly behind stars like Jamal Cain and Trey Townsend.
- Recent Trend: Wright State has taken the last few meetings, including a sweep of the 2025-26 regular season series so far.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Matchup
There’s this misconception that mid-major basketball is "sloppy." If you watch Oakland vs Wright State, you’ll see the opposite. The offensive execution is often cleaner than what you see in the bottom half of the Big Ten.
Another thing: people think Oakland is just "the team that beat Kentucky." They are much more than a one-hit-wonder. Kampe builds teams that are designed to be annoying to play against. They play a style that forces you to think, and in a 40-minute game, thinking too much usually leads to mistakes.
Wright State, meanwhile, is often overlooked because they don't have the "upset" branding that Oakland currently carries. But look at the numbers. They are consistently one of the most efficient offensive units in the country. They don't need a viral moment to prove they belong; they just win.
Looking Ahead: The Rematch and Beyond
The next time these two meet, expect Oakland to adjust their rebounding strategy. Getting doubled up on the boards (40 to 21) is something Kampe will likely be losing sleep over. Tuburu Naivalurua and Isaac Garrett have to be more physical inside to give Robinson a chance to win the game on the perimeter.
For Wright State, the goal is simple: stay the course. If Callaghan and Burch continue to share the backcourt load this effectively, they are the odds-on favorite to represent the Horizon League in the Big Dance.
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Actionable Insights for Fans and Bettors
- Watch the Paint: If Wright State is winning the rebounding battle by +5 or more in the first ten minutes, Oakland is in trouble.
- The "Kampe" Bounce Back: Oakland historically plays much better at home, but they’ve struggled lately at the O’rena. Look for them to tighten up the perimeter defense in February.
- Free Throw Reliability: Wright State is statistically one of the best "closer" teams because they don't miss free throws. In close games, they are a safe bet to cover if it comes down to a foul fest.
If you want to understand where the Horizon League title is headed, you have to watch these two. They might not be on ESPN every night, but the quality of basketball is undeniable.
Next Steps for Followers:
Check the upcoming Horizon League schedule for the February return game. Watch the injury reports for Oakland’s frontcourt—if they aren't healthy, Wright State's Michael Imariagbe will likely dominate the glass again. You should also keep an eye on the conference standings, as a top-two seed is crucial for getting that double-bye in the tournament held at Indiana Farmers Coliseum.