Oregon State 66, Cal State Bakersfield 56

In their last game before receiving a few days off for Christmas, the Oregon State women's basketball team held off Cal State Bakersfield on Sunday afternoon, winning 66-56 in front of 813 at Gill Coloseum.

The snow and ice continues to accumulate in the Willamette Valley, which may delay or alter travel plans for some of the team members. The twelve-player roster includes only two native Oregonians, so the majority of the team likely plans on traveling out of state for the holiday.

The Beavers, who were shooting a healthy 49 percent heading into the game, only shot 33 percent from the field against the Runners. The team's scoring leader, Tiffany Ducker, was only 1 of 8 from the field, and guard Brittney Davis was 2 of 13. 

Sophomore sharpshooter Talisa Rhea was able to pick up some of the slack, as she contributed 23 points to the effort. Mercedes Fox-Griffin added 17 points, her highest point-total of the season. Mercedes also had 6 assists in the game. Six-four center Alex Mitchell scored 12 points in the game.

Fox-Griffin, who was a perfect 16 of 16 from the free throw line coming into the game was 7 of 9 from the line. That moves her season total to 23 of 25, for 92 percent. The Beavers were 22 of 29 from the line as a team. 

With the win, Oregon State moves to 8-1 on he year and continues to have the best start under LaVonda Wagner. The team is now winners of five straight, with their only loss coming to No. 2 North Carolina by 4 points.

--Jake (jake.buildingthedam@gmail.com)