You ever watch a game where one team just seems to have the other’s number, and you can’t quite figure out why? That’s basically the vibe of Wright State vs. Oakland lately. If you’re a fan of Horizon League basketball, you know these two don’t exactly send each other Christmas cards. But what went down recently in Rochester, Michigan, wasn't just a win—it was a statement that shifted the entire balance of the conference.
On January 11, 2026, Wright State didn't just beat Oakland. They dismantled them. 94-84.
The Raiders walked into the Athletics Center O'rena—a place that's usually a house of horrors for visitors—and raced out to a 41-14 lead in the first fifteen minutes. Honestly, it was hard to watch if you were wearing black and gold. Wright State shot nearly 60% from the floor. They were hitting everything.
The Solomon Callaghan Show
If you haven't been following Solomon Callaghan, you’re missing out. The kid went off for a career-high 27 points. He was 6-of-9 from three-point land. Every time Oakland tried to mount a little "Kampe-style" comeback, Callaghan would just pull up from the logo and drill a jumper that felt like a punch to the gut.
It wasn't just him, though. The Raiders were playing without their leading scorer, Michael Cooper, who’s been sidelined with a hand injury. You’d think losing 15 points a game would cripple a mid-major offense. Nope.
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Kellen Pickett stepped up with an 18-point, 11-rebound double-double. TJ Burch added another 18. This is the nuance of Clint Sargent’s system that people keep missing: it’s not built on one star. It’s built on ball movement that makes Greg Kampe’s legendary 1-3-1 zone look like a Swiss cheese sandwich.
Why Oakland Couldn't Close the Gap
Oakland isn't bad. Let's be real. They’re 9-9 overall but were 5-1 in the league heading into that game. Brody Robinson is a certified bucket-getter. He dropped 35 points in that loss. Thirty-five! Usually, when your lead guard scores 35, you win the game.
But Oakland’s defense was non-existent in the first half. They allowed Wright State to score 48 points in the paint. By the time they switched things up and outscored the Raiders 54-45 in the second half, the mountain was just too high to climb. They cut it to seven points with about a minute left, but then Dominic Pangonis shut the door with a dunk and some ice-cold free throws.
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The History You’ve Probably Forgotten
These two programs have been at each other's throats since Oakland joined the Horizon League. Wright State leads the all-time series 19-11, and they’ve won the last two matchups.
- December 29, 2025: Wright State won 88-73.
- January 11, 2026: Wright State won 94-84.
Notice a pattern? The Raiders are averaging over 90 points against the Grizzlies this season. That’s insane given how much emphasis Kampe usually puts on defensive adjustments. The "Blacktop" at the O’rena is supposed to be an advantage, yet Wright State looked more comfortable there than they do at their own Nutter Center sometimes.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Matchup
Most casual bettors look at the "Home Court Advantage" and automatically lean toward Oakland. Huge mistake. Wright State is currently 4-1 against the spread when they’re the underdog by more than 4.5 points. They thrive when people count them out.
Also, the "Over" is basically a lock when these two play. The total was set at 161.5 for their last game. They combined for 178. If you’re betting the "Under" in Wright State vs. Oakland, you’re essentially betting against gravity. Both teams want to run. Both teams have defensive lapses that lead to quick transition points.
The Clint Sargent Factor
Clint Sargent is in his first year as head coach after Scott Nagy left for Southern Illinois. People expected a drop-off. They expected the Raiders to struggle with identity. Instead, Sargent has them sitting at 7-1 in the Horizon League, atop the standings. He’s tightened the rotation and clearly found a way to motivate guys like Andrea Holden and Michael Imariagbe to play bigger than their size.
Actionable Insights for the Remainder of the Season
If you're following the Horizon League race, here is how you should view these two moving forward:
- Watch the Wright State Injury Report: If Michael Cooper comes back healthy, this offense becomes legitimately scary. They are already shooting 59% as a team in some games without him.
- Oakland’s Road Woes: The Grizzlies are significantly better at home (averaging about 101 points) than on the road (77 points). When they head to Dayton for the return fixture, be wary of their scoring consistency.
- The 1-3-1 Zone is Leaking: Opponents have figured out that high-low passing kills Oakland's signature defense. Until Kampe adjusts the wing rotations, high-percentage shooting teams will continue to feast.
- Freshman Impact: Keep an eye on Kellen Pickett. He just swept the Horizon League Freshman of the Week honors. He’s not playing like a freshman; his rebounding positioning is elite for this level.
The rivalry isn't over. Not by a long shot. They’ll likely see each other again in the Horizon League Tournament in March. If the current trajectory holds, Wright State has the mental edge, but never, ever count out a Greg Kampe-led team in a winner-take-all scenario.
For now, the Raiders own the crown in this head-to-head. They’ve proven that efficiency beats volume, and depth beats a single superstar performance every single time.
Keep an eye on the standings. Wright State is currently 12-7 overall, while Oakland is 10-9. The gap is small, but the way Wright State is playing right now, it feels like a canyon. Check the schedule for their next meeting at the Nutter Center—it’s going to be electric.