Rochester, MI -- (Sports Network) - Erik Kangas scored a game-high 23 points to lead the Oakland Golden Grizzlies to an 80-74 win over the Kent State Golden Flashes in first round action of the CollegeInsider.com Tournament at the Athletics Center O'Rena.

Keith Benson also added 16 points for the Grizzlies (23-12), while Dan Waterstradt chipped in with 11 points and 11 rebounds. Johnathon Jones also got involved, tallying nine points and 12 assists for Oakland.

The Golden Flashes (19-15) were paced by Al Fisher who scored 13 points in a losing effort. Julian Sullinger, Tyree Evans and Anthony Simpson each added 12 points for KSU, while Chris Singletary netted 10 points.

KSU jumped out to an early lead, shooting 54.8 percent from the floor in the first half, to take a 40-27 advantage at the break.

The Grizzlies stormed back in the second stanza, knocking down 7-of-13 three- point attempts, en route to a six-point victory.

Free-throw shooting proved to be the difference in this contest, as Oakland outscored the Golden Flashes 24-13 at the charity stripe.