DETROIT (1/16/2016) -- Two Titans scored 20 points and Detroit trimmed an 11-point Oakland lead down to just one possession, but it was not enough as the University of Detroit Mercy men's basketball team fell to rival Oakland, 86-82, on Saturday in a #MetroSeries showdown in Calihan Hall.

The loss dropped Detroit to 9-7, 3-2 in the Horizon League, while Oakland improved to 11-7, 3-2 in conference play.

Sophomore Paris Bass led the way with 20 points, eight rebounds, a career-high six assists and three blocks. Sophomore Jaleel Hogan finished with a career-best 20 points and eight rebounds, and senior Anton Wilson had 10 points, three boards, three steals and two assists. 

Detroit scored the first six points of the game and held a lead for much of the first half although it was always close. The Titans kept Oakland at bay on offense, while hitting some timely shots. 

The Titans biggest lead was eight, twice, first when Bass got inside for a layup at 25-17 and then again when Wilson went inside for two and a 27-19 advantage. 

Oakland would keep chipping away and eventually tied the game at 32-all with 3:32 left. A three-point play by Jenkins put Detroit back in front, 35-32, and the Titans would go up by four, 37-33, as Jenkins hit another jumper with 2:12 remaining. Oakland would then end the half on a 10-3 run for a 43-40 lead at the break.

The second half was a lot like the first with both teams playing hard. Detroit was able to tie it at 48-48 on a basket from Wilson two minutes in, but the Golden Grizzlies would net four straight points after that. The game was also knotted at 54-54 on a three by Wilson and one more time at 56-56 with 14:19 left. 

The Titans then saw the Golden Grizzlies go on a 15-4 run over the next three minutes to take a 71-60 lead. Oakland would keep a double-digit advantage as late as 75-64 with 6:37 left when Detroit made one final run.

The Titans kept fighting and fighting and cut it to six, 78-72, with a layup from Bass at the 4:05 mark. Detroit then got it down to four, 84-80, with 1:04 remaining as Bass hit another jumper. The Titans finally got within two, 84-82, with under 30 seconds left as Wilson came up with a steal and freshman Josh McFolley finished it off at the rim, but Detroit could not get the equalizer. 

McFolley ended with nine points, four assists, two rebounds and two steals. Senior Carlton Brundidge had eight points and four boards, and Jenkins tallied eight points and five caroms. 

Detroit ended up shooting 52.4 percent from the field (33-of-63), including 58.1 percent (18-of-31) in the second half. UDM also had seven steals and four blocks. 

The red, white and blue will return to action on Monday, Jan. 18, as the Titans head to Wright State. The game will tip at 7:00 p.m., and will be televised on the American Sports Network. 

Game Notes:
Detroit still leads the series, 12-5… There were 11 NBA scouts at the game… It was the third-straight year that the Detroit-Oakland game drew over 6,000 fans to Calihan Hall… It was the seventh time this year that Detroit has posted 30 or more field goals in a game… The 3-of-9 effort from three was the fewest makes and attempts the Titans have had this season… The three 3-pointers were the least since UDM had three against Maryland Eastern Shore last year, while the nine attempts were the fewest since going 3-for-8 at UIC in 2014… The Titans had two players with 20 or more points for the first time since the UCF contest… Hogan's previous career high was 17 against Youngstown State… It was the fourth time this season that Bass has recorded at least 20 points…