The Cleveland State Men's Basketball team used a dominant defensive performance, and another balanced scoring attack to defeat Oakland 80-64 in front of 1,671 at the Wolstein Center. The win is the fifth in a row for the Vikings. 

The Vikings(5-3, 1-0 HL) had six players in double figures, and held the Golden Grizzlies(2-7, 0-1 HL) to their second lowest scoring output of the season. Oakland shot 38% from the floor, and finished 4-22 from three point range. 

Drew Lowder led the way for Cleveland State with a season-high 16 points, 13 of which came in the first half. Lowder shot 5-9 from the floor in the opening frame, connecting on three of his five three point tries. 

Jayson Woodrich had 14, as well as seven rebounds. Woodrich and Lowder provided sparks off the bench, as the Vikings won the bench scoring battle 35-17. 

Deante Johnson was a force on both ends of the floor, posting his first double-double of the season. Johnson finished with 11 points and led the team with 12 rebounds. The Vikings dominated the glass, out-rebounding Oakland 53-30, including 26 offensive rebounds, leading to 24 second-chance points. 

Also in double figures were Tristan Enaruna and Deshon Parker with 11 points each, and Tae Williams with 10. 

Once again, Cleveland State dictated the pace of the game from the outset. The Vikings used a 7-0 run to take an early 11-5 lead into the first media timeout of the game. 

From there the lead grew to double digits, as a Woodrich jumper at the 10:43 mark made it 19-9. 

The Vikings closed the first half with a flourish, scoring six of the last eight points to take a 12 point lead into the locker room. Lowder's third three point make of the half made it 41-29 at the break. 

Cleveland State started strong in the second half, and grew its lead to 21 on a Parker layup at the 15:13 mark. The lead would expand as large as 27 midway through the half. Oakland mounted a late rally, leading to the 16-point final margin.

The Vikings committed just nine turnovers, and dominated inside scoring 48 points in the paint, compared to Oakland's 28.

Up next, Cleveland State plays host to Detroit Mercy in the second game of the Horizon League opening weekend, the game tips at 3 p.m. at the Wolstein Center. Tickets can be purchased HERE.