Oakland, Mich. 86, E. Michigan 71

Nov 17, 2007, 09:13 pm

ROCHESTER, Mich. (AP) -- Derick Nelson had 21 points and nine rebounds to lead Oakland University to an 86-71 non-conference win over Eastern Michigan on Saturday.

Nelson scored just four points in 18 minutes of second-half action, but had plenty of fire power early on to help the Golden Grizzlies improve to 2-1.

Brandon Cassise hit a 3-pointer with 11:50 left to spark a 10-0 OU run that buried the Eagles. Jesse Bunkley came off the bench to score 19 points and represent EMU's lone double-digit scorer.

OU played without its leading scorer and shot just 17-for-33 from the foul line. The Grizzlies' major 3-point threat, Erik Kangas, spent the entire game on the sidelines because of a shoulder injury.

Junior Dan Waterstradt had 10 points, four rebounds and two blocks for OU before getting knocked out of the game with 16:20 remaining. He suffered a slight sprained ankle and is questionable for Tuesday's game.

True freshman Tim Williams came off the bench to finish with five rebounds, 11 points and three assists in just his second game of his college career.

Eastern Michigan (1-2) committed 15 fouls and 18 turnovers in the first half and trailed 43-26 at the break.