Oregon State’s men’s basketball team faced off against Washington State on Sunday evening, ultimately losing 81-67 at Numerica Veterans Arena in Spokane, Washington.
Standout Players:
Dez White led the Beavers with 16 points, sinking four out of six three-point attempts. Isaiah Sy and Matija Samar each contributed 11 and nine points, respectively, showing solid performances. Notably, Keziah Ekissi made his debut start for the team.
As a group, Oregon State shot 44% from the field, yet it wasn’t enough to overcome Washington State. The Beavers now have a record of 8-9 for the season, with a 1-3 mark in WCC play.
Game Flow:
Washington State began strong, scoring the first nine points and leading 14-6 early on. Though Oregon State managed to close the gap to just two points halfway through the first half, they trailed 47-33 at halftime.
In the second half, the Cougars expanded their lead to 21 points. However, the Beavers fought back, with back-to-back three-pointers igniting an 8-0 scoring run to bring the deficit down to 11 points. They continued to push, narrowing the gap to ten in the final minutes, but ultimately could not recover.
Looking Ahead:
Next, the Beavers will return home to Gill Coliseum on Thursday for a matchup against Seattle U.
Expert Insight:
Basketball analyst Jenna Ray noted that team dynamics play a significant role in a game’s outcome. “Strong starts and quick adjustments are key,” she said. The Beavers displayed resilience but will need to improve their early game strategy moving forward.
Recent Trends:
The college basketball season has seen rising excitement, with teams across the country breaking records in attendance and viewership. According to ESPN, viewership for college games has increased by 15% this season compared to last. This trend highlights the growing interest in basketball at the college level, as fans rally around their favorite teams.
Remember, every game is a learning opportunity, and the Beavers are focused on refining their strategy in upcoming matches.
