Oregon State vs. Gonzaga: An Overtime Thrill
In a thrilling overtime showdown, Oregon State clinched a 92-87 victory over Gonzaga. This match was highly anticipated, featuring two of the top teams in the WCC and future Pac-12 rivals. It continued the intense rivalry, where three of the last four encounters have gone to overtime.
Oregon State coach Scott Rueck expressed gratitude for the support from Beaver Nation, highlighting the fierce competition. He noted, “It’s a bummer that anyone had to lose. But this was an epic game.”
Kennedie Shuler shined for the Beavers. She matched the school record for steals with 10, coming just shy of a triple-double. Her stats also included 17 points, nine assists, five rebounds, and three blocks. Shuler had to leave the game early in overtime, but her teammates stepped up.
One standout moment came from Paige Lofing of Gonzaga, who hit a remarkable three-pointer to tie the game at 79 in the final seconds of regulation. Despite Shuler’s foul-out, Jenna Villa took charge, scoring 31 points, including seven crucial free throws in overtime.
Villa’s impressive performance is notable; she’s had two games this season scoring over 30 points. Alongside her, Ally Schimel made significant contributions, holding Gonzaga’s top shooter, Allie Turner, to just five points. Schimel tallied 15 points and four assists, showcasing her defensive skills throughout the game.
Tiara Bolden was instrumental in the early stages, scoring 10 points in the first quarter. Her leadership helped build a slim lead, and she was pivotal in overtime, contributing essential points.
Lizzy Williamson, often overlooked, made a difference on both ends of the court with strong rebounding and defense. She managed to hold her ground against Gonzaga’s Lauren Whittaker, who scored 37 points.
Overall, Oregon State displayed impressive shooting stats, hitting nearly 50% from the floor and 41.7% from beyond the arc. Their free throw shooting was also commendable, making 70.6% of attempts.
Moving forward, Oregon State will have a break before facing San Diego and San Francisco, where they will honor their 2016 Final Four team. This ongoing rivalry and competition continue to make college basketball exciting.
For more on college basketball and its rivalries, check out the NCAA website for updates and stats.
