The Oregon State men’s basketball team experienced a challenging start in the Paradise Jam tournament, falling to the University of Evansville 73-69 on Friday. The defeat marks a setback for the Beavers, now holding a record of 3-2.
Performance Summary
The game showcased significant struggles for Oregon State, particularly in their shooting effort. The Beavers finished with a field goal percentage of just 37%. Additionally, they committed numerous turnovers that proved detrimental.
Each Team’s Leading Scorers
- Oregon State:
- Noah Amenhauser – 17 points
- Josiah Lake II – 16 points
- Evansville:
- Joshua Hughes – 16 points
- Bryce Quinet – 15 points
- Leif Moeller – 14 points
Game Highlights
Oregon State struggled initially, falling behind 26-18, shooting only 21% during this span. This included a troubling streak of 10 consecutive missed shots. However, the team rallied, closing the gap to a score of 30-28 by halftime, aided by 10 points from Lake.
Second Half Breakdown
In the second half, the Beavers quickly took a 38-32 lead, capitalizing on an improved offensive flow. Unfortunately, a series of errors led to a critical moment when Evansville surged ahead, executing a 20-3 run, which included five turnovers for Oregon State in a short period.
Late Game Developments
As both teams entered the double bonus, Evansville went cold, offering Oregon State a route back into contention. A notable stretch saw the Beavers narrow the deficit to just 58-53 with six minutes remaining. Malcolm Christie’s three-pointers kept hope alive, but it wasn’t enough.
In the final moments, Christie managed to drain a three-pointer to close the score to 72-69. Evansville’s subsequent free throw sealed their victory.
Upcoming Matchup
Oregon State will next face Iona, with a game scheduled for Saturday, November 22, at 2:30 PM PT. The game will continue in the Paradise Jam tournament in Saint Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. Fans can stream the action on ESPN+
