Cleveland State men's basketball rallies from 10 down to defeat Oakland, 91-78

The Vikings shot 60% from three-point range in the second half, connecting on 17 3-pointers overall in their comeback victory.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 9:31pm

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Cleveland State overcame a 10-point halftime deficit to defeat Oakland, 91-78, at Henry J. Goodman Arena, powered by a dominant second-half shooting performance and a decisive late-game run. The team shot 42.5% from beyond the arc overall and an exceptional 60% from 3-point range in the second half, making 12 of 20 attempts.

Why it matters

This comeback victory showcases Cleveland State's resilience and ability to make key adjustments in the second half to overcome a significant deficit against a tough Horizon League opponent. The team's strong shooting and ball movement were critical factors in the win.

The details

Trailing 42-32 at the break, Cleveland State erupted for 59 second-half points while connecting on 17 3-pointers for the game. Tre Beard led Cleveland State with 24 points and nine assists, hitting six 3-pointers. Jaidon Lipscomb added 18 points on 5-of-12 shooting from deep, while Dayan Nessah recorded a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds. The game turned on a 12-0 run by Cleveland State late in the second half, with Josiah Harris, Nessah, Lipscomb, and Beard all contributing to the surge.

  • Cleveland State trailed 42-32 at halftime.
  • Cleveland State outscored Oakland 59-36 in the second half.

The players

Tre Beard

Scored a team-high 24 points and dished out 9 assists for Cleveland State.

Jaidon Lipscomb

Scored 18 points on 5-of-12 shooting from 3-point range for Cleveland State.

Dayan Nessah

Recorded a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds for Cleveland State.

Josiah Harris

Scored 12 points off the bench for Cleveland State.

Foster Wonders

Scored 12 points off the bench for Cleveland State.

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What they’re saying

“We knew we had to come out with more energy and intensity in the second half. The guys really stepped up and made some big shots to get us back in the game.”

— Dennis Gates, Head Coach, Cleveland State (cleveland.com)

What’s next

Cleveland State will look to build on this comeback victory as they continue their Horizon League schedule. Their next game is against rival Youngstown State on February 10th.

The takeaway

Cleveland State's ability to rally from a double-digit halftime deficit, led by their hot shooting and balanced scoring, demonstrates the team's resilience and potential to make a late-season push in the Horizon League standings.