Gaines Scores Career-High 27 in Loss at Oakland

Saturday, February 12

Rochester, Mich.

12:00 p.m.

Purdue Fort Wayne

Oakland

Frank Gaines had a career-high 27 points vs. Oakland (courtesy Jose Jaurez)

Gaines Scores Career-High 27 in Loss at Oakland

2/12/2011 3:07:55 PM | Men's Basketball

Box Score

Rochester, MI - IPFW sophomore guard Frank Gaines tossed in a career-high 27 points, but the Mastodons fell to league-leading Oakland, 86-78 on Saturday afternoon at the Athletics Center O'rena.

A disputed finish marred an otherwise outstanding basketball game between the first and second place teams in The Summit League.

IPFW battled back from a 12-point deficit with just 1:27 remaining in regulation. A jumper by freshman forward Michael Kibiloski started the Mastodons' run to the finish.

With Oakland leading by five, 80-75, senior guard Ben Botts nailed a triple with just :14 left to draw the Mastodons to within two.

Oakland's Reggie Hamilton was fouled on the next possession and missed both of his free throw attempts. Botts grabbed the rebound and raced down the floor with a chance to tie or win the game. Bott pulled up for a triple with :04 left and appeared to be fouled by Hamilton from behind on the shot. No foul was called as Botts crashed to the floor.

Oakland pushed the ball up the floor and when junior forward Jason Smeathers tried to strip the ball from OU guard Travis Bader, he was called for an intentional foul that ignited a melee. When the dust had settled, Oakland hit six consecutive free throws to seal the win.

The loss spoiled a great effort by Gaines, who also hit a carreer-high four 3-pointers in the game.

Oakland was led by Hamilton with 30 points, 13 coming from the charity stripe. Hamilton led four Golden Grizzlies in double-digits. Senior center Keith Benson had a double-double with 18 points and 12 rebounds.

Botts added 19 for the 'Dons, while junior guard Antwaun Boyd chipped in 10.

Oakland improves to 18-9 overall and 13-1 in league play.

IPFW falls to 16-9 and 9-5 in conference action.

The Mastodons will look to get back on the winning track as they host the Dakotas next week. Up first for the Mastodons will be South Dakota State on Thursday night at the Memorial Coliseum. Tip time is 7:00 p.m.

~Dons~