Building The Dam: An SB Nation Community

Navigation: Jump to content areas:



Sports blogs for fans, by fans.
Around SBN: Steve McNair Found Shot to Death


Open Thread: USC at Oregon State

USC Trojans @ Oregon St. Beavers


The Trojans are in the house this afternoon for Oregon State's second conference game. In football, we beat the Trojans 27-21 at Reser Stadium. Just sayin'.

Pregame: The Trojans aren't getting the same kind of publicity that other Pac-10 teams like UCLA, Stanford, and Arizona State are getting right now. But they're just as good. USC made a statement earlier in the week at Mac Court, where they trombled the Ducks in the second half after only leading by one at halftime. They went on to win by a margin of 21... read more about that game, and more about the Trojans, in my game preview

USC has an extremely large game looming on the horizon next week against crosstown rival UCLA, but there's still some work to do in Corvallis. Quickly, here my keys to the game:

 

  1. Get into the Offense: This will probably  be a key for most of the season, until we can get proficient at running CR's Princeston offense. A problem area in the UCLA game was that the Beavers were putting up quick shots early in the game, which led to fast breaks for UCLA. USC likes to get up and down the court, so giving the Trojans what they want would not be a good thing.
  2. Control the Boards: Quite frankly, if we want to win a Pac-10 game, we can't allow other teams easy access to the offensive boards. UCLA out-offensive rebounded the Beavers 12-4, which gave them easy second chance points USC has some size, and junior Taj Gibson is a rebounding machine. 
  3. Find Consistency on Defense: The Beavers' zone approach didn't hold up well against UCLA, who made six three-pointers in the first half of Friday's game. The Trojans aren't as good of a long-range shooting team, and I don't think they have a guy like Michael Roll who can shoot the deep ball with such consistency. If we can play defense against the Trojans like we did in the first five minutes against UCLA, we'll be a lot better off.
Halftime: Oregon State got off to a quick start, hitting their first three baskets. They took a 12-2 lead at one point in the first half, but USC came charging back  behind big men Marcus Johnson at Taj Gibson. For the Beavers, Roeland Schaftenaar is having as good of a game as I can remember him having... he has 11 points, five rebounds, 2 assists, a steal, and a block at the half. USC went on another run at the end of the half, and they're now up by five at the break. But the halftime score isn't the best indication of how the first half went... it was a big improvement from the first half Friday against UCLA, to say the least. At halftime, it's USC 25, OSU 20.

 

0 recs | Comment 163 comments

Story-email Email Printer Print

Comments

Display:

Just like against UCLA, I think my biggest fears are going to be realized..

We are getting better, make no mistake about it. Yes, a 20 point loss to UCLA is discouraging. But the simple fact is, we are getting out-talented. We do not have the skill or size to man up, and our zone defense is giving good shooting teams open shots. I feel that this is going to be the case for most of the Pac10 this year.

Next year will be better. And I’m not giving up on this year either. We may win some games. But don’t be surprised to see another goose egg in the Pac10 win column, purely because Jay John left the cupboard nearly bare.

I support Takimoto in his effort to support Roger Kieschnick in his quest to becoming the best Kieschnick ever to play professional baseball.

by The VD Special on Jan 4, 2009 1:29 PM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Also...

I remember CR saying something to the effect of “these players weren’t recruited to play my brand of basketball”… So not only are we not as talented, we’re playing out of our element, to some extent.

I doubt we’ll win as well, but I’m hoping we keep it close.

--JB--
www.buildingthedam.com

by Jake Bertalotto on Jan 4, 2009 1:40 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I'm pumped

I don’t know about other people but I like these Sunday games. On Saturday there is to much going on to sit down for 2 hours and watch basketball. I would like to keep the thursday games though. I think if the Pac-10 switched to Thursday, Sunday games then we could drop FSN and get a contract with ESPN. I’m looking at the programming lineup today for ESPN and there is pool on all day long.

by ConnorOSU on Jan 4, 2009 1:31 PM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Looks like it will be a few more minutes till we get to watch on TV

There’s currently still 2:35 left in the Oregon/UCLA game.

--JB--
www.buildingthedam.com

by Jake Bertalotto on Jan 4, 2009 2:37 PM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Pit Crew

They threw chalk up in the air like LeBron does at the beginning of the game and it got all over the floor. They didn’t tip it off for about 10 minutes after the scheduled start time so they could get it all cleaned up.

by ConnorOSU on Jan 4, 2009 3:24 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

According to Gametracker, We're up 8-0.

Misprint? I’ll take it though!

--JB--
www.buildingthedam.com

by Jake Bertalotto on Jan 4, 2009 2:45 PM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Schaftenaar has 5 of those points

Also a present surprise.

--JB--
www.buildingthedam.com

by Jake Bertalotto on Jan 4, 2009 2:46 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Daniel Hacket makes two free throws, and the Trojans are on the board.

Having a tough time against the 1-3-1 OSU zone. USC deploys a press, but Oregon State beats it, and goes up 10-2. Offensive foul by USC at the other end, and Oregon State has the ball, and the lead, 10-2.

--JB--
www.buildingthedam.com

by Jake Bertalotto on Jan 4, 2009 2:48 PM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

The backdoor pass seems to be working today...

But Omari travels after receiving a good pass from Roeland. USC turns the ball over at the other end. That’s their fifth turnover of the game. 10-2 Beavers.

--JB--
www.buildingthedam.com

by Jake Bertalotto on Jan 4, 2009 2:50 PM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Another back door... Schaftenaar to Omari Johnson for a bucket.

USC hits their first field goal at the other end…. Beavers up 12-4.

--JB--
www.buildingthedam.com

by Jake Bertalotto on Jan 4, 2009 2:51 PM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Taj Gibson dunks, is fouled by Omari.

He hits the free throw, and the Trojans cut the lead to five. With 12:15 remaining in the first half, it’s Oregon State 12, USC 7.

--JB--
www.buildingthedam.com

by Jake Bertalotto on Jan 4, 2009 2:53 PM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Turnover on USC, and Tim Floyd will call time.

That’s USC’s sixth turnover. Back after the timeout.

--JB--
www.buildingthedam.com

by Jake Bertalotto on Jan 4, 2009 2:54 PM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Marcus Johnson tips in a put back after Calvin Haynes is called for an offensive foul.

USC is closing the gap quickly. Daniel Hacket steals the ball from Tarver, and is fouled at the other end. OSU gets a steal of their own, but Wilkinson gets a block for USC. Turnovers everywhere at Gill Coliseum today.

--JB--
www.buildingthedam.com

by Jake Bertalotto on Jan 4, 2009 2:59 PM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Marcus Johnson tips in a put-back, and is fouled.

USC now has a chance to tie the game on Johnson’s free throws.

--JB--
www.buildingthedam.com

by Jake Bertalotto on Jan 4, 2009 2:59 PM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Keith Wilkinson tosses in a deep two for USC, and USC goes on top for the first time in the game.

OSU’s 12-2 lead has quickly evaporated. 11-0 run for the Trojans. USC has come back, and now leads the Beavers by the score of 13-12.

--JB--
www.buildingthedam.com

by Jake Bertalotto on Jan 4, 2009 3:01 PM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Five and a half minutes since OSU has scored.

8:20 left in the half.

--JB--
www.buildingthedam.com

by Jake Bertalotto on Jan 4, 2009 3:02 PM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Schaftenaar puts back his own miss, and the Beavers have their first FG in six minutes.

Roeland has 7, and the Beavers are back on top.

--JB--
www.buildingthedam.com

by Jake Bertalotto on Jan 4, 2009 3:04 PM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Daniel Hackett hits a three-pointer for USC

With 5:45 left in the half, it’s USC 18, OSU 14

--JB--
www.buildingthedam.com

by Jake Bertalotto on Jan 4, 2009 3:05 PM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Already 15 combined turnovers in the game.

And we’ve played 15 minutes.

--JB--
www.buildingthedam.com

by Jake Bertalotto on Jan 4, 2009 3:07 PM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Schaftenaar is freaking beastly today.

He puts in another basket, and now has nine points in the game. USC leads 18-16.

--JB--
www.buildingthedam.com

by Jake Bertalotto on Jan 4, 2009 3:08 PM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Oregon State started the game 3-3 shooting

Since, they’re 4-16.

Thanks to FSN for that graphic.

--JB--
www.buildingthedam.com

by Jake Bertalotto on Jan 4, 2009 3:09 PM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Shot clock violation on the Beavers... USC scores at the other end.

They regain the lead: USC 20, OSU 18

--JB--
www.buildingthedam.com

by Jake Bertalotto on Jan 4, 2009 3:14 PM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Better game

Jake this is more what I was talking about in the UCLA game. They looked flatfooted in that game and this game they look aggressive and breaking to the ball quicker. And staying (for the most part) in their offense. Still need to block out on rebounds though.

-RVM

by rvm on Jan 4, 2009 3:14 PM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yes, our defense is working better.

We’re still going to need to play a great second half, now that we’re down five, to pull this one out. However, this is definitely a huge improvement. And the crowd is loving it, even though we’re down five.

--JB--
www.buildingthedam.com

by Jake Bertalotto on Jan 4, 2009 3:16 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

totally agree

down five is not bad at all and playing our pace really, still in it right now, the BIG problem is UO was tied with USC at half and the Trojans ran all over them in the second

-RVM

by rvm on Jan 4, 2009 3:18 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I was thinking the same thing

We just need to take good care of the basketball. USC has turned the ball over a lot, but so have we. I didn’t look at the stats very closely on how USC ran away with the game against Oregon, but if we keep playing the way we’re playing and improve our ball-handling and rebounding, we should keep it close.

--JB--
www.buildingthedam.com

by Jake Bertalotto on Jan 4, 2009 3:21 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

yep

and I know this will sound a bit silly in way but even if the Beavs lose if we can stay with them like the first half I think it will go a long way to giving them the feeling that they can stay with the Pac-10 teams this season. As you noted opening with UCLA is a VERY tough way to start the league season.

-RVM

by rvm on Jan 4, 2009 3:23 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

and I think with this team and a new coach the mental will be very important this year.

-RVM

by rvm on Jan 4, 2009 3:25 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

And although it was mostly against their reserves,

I liked the way we played UCLA Friday in the second half. Granted, the game was over by halftime, but it goes to show that we can play competitively in this league. And it will send a message to the rest of the conference that we are capable of pulling an upset on any given day.

Right now, it looks like UCLA, USC, and ASU are turning out to be the creme of the crop in the Pac-10. If we can play with these guys, we should be able to play with UW, WSU, UA, etc.

--JB--
www.buildingthedam.com

by Jake Bertalotto on Jan 4, 2009 3:25 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Here we go with the second half...

OSU starts with the ball.

--JB--
www.buildingthedam.com

by Jake Bertalotto on Jan 4, 2009 3:32 PM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

just like UCLA

too many second chances for the other team

-RVM

by rvm on Jan 4, 2009 3:35 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I know it.

Creating too many opportunities for USC.

--JB--
www.buildingthedam.com

by Jake Bertalotto on Jan 4, 2009 3:35 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Hackett scores... S. Tarver scores....

USC lead is still six.

--JB--
www.buildingthedam.com

by Jake Bertalotto on Jan 4, 2009 3:35 PM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Now eight.

--JB--
www.buildingthedam.com

by Jake Bertalotto on Jan 4, 2009 3:35 PM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

offense looking good though

when not taking quick shots, getting it down inside on nice passing

-RVM

by rvm on Jan 4, 2009 3:36 PM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Omari Johnson hits from three...

The USC lead is now 12.

--JB--
www.buildingthedam.com

by Jake Bertalotto on Jan 4, 2009 3:46 PM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Calvin Haynes hits from three as well...

42-35… and we’ve almost got a ballgame.

Gibson throws one down at the other end…. USC now up 11.

--JB--
www.buildingthedam.com

by Jake Bertalotto on Jan 4, 2009 3:47 PM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Josh Tarver for two...

44-35.

--JB--
www.buildingthedam.com

by Jake Bertalotto on Jan 4, 2009 3:48 PM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Schaftenaar for threeeEEEE!

44-38 Trojans.

--JB--
www.buildingthedam.com

by Jake Bertalotto on Jan 4, 2009 3:52 PM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Schaftenaar puts up a three as the shot clock winds down...

Josh Tarver called for a foul as he fights for the offensive rebound. Didn’t like the call… but it’s still a six point game.

--JB--
www.buildingthedam.com

by Jake Bertalotto on Jan 4, 2009 3:55 PM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Playing much better today

Again aggressive and quick on D and for the most part sticking to the offensive game plan.

Still in the game if they can stay collected.

-RVM

by rvm on Jan 4, 2009 3:57 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Ricky Claitt! for three!

OSU within five… and the fans at Gill go crazy…

--JB--
www.buildingthedam.com

by Jake Bertalotto on Jan 4, 2009 3:58 PM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

One the OSU can improve on is pushing the ball on fast breaks, IMO

They seem like they want to settle into the offense rather than look for an easy layup in transition. Maybe that’s what CR wants, but it seems like OSU could score more quickly that way, although it does risk turnovers.

--JB--
www.buildingthedam.com

by Jake Bertalotto on Jan 4, 2009 3:59 PM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

yep

and yes hard to tell if that is coaching or not

-RVM

by rvm on Jan 4, 2009 4:01 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

shoot

maybe that is why! Three on one and TO/foul by the Beavs!

-RVM

by rvm on Jan 4, 2009 4:02 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Wow

OSU basketball and I’m actually thinking we have a chance here!

-RVM

by rvm on Jan 4, 2009 4:04 PM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Wow, OSU catches a break there.

Looked like we tipped it.

--JB--
www.buildingthedam.com

by Jake Bertalotto on Jan 4, 2009 4:04 PM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

GREAT BACKDOOR!!!

This offense is really pretty when it works well. Beavers down four.

--JB--
www.buildingthedam.com

by Jake Bertalotto on Jan 4, 2009 4:04 PM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Indeed

Beavers have the momentum, the ball, and are down four with 2:25 left.

--JB--
www.buildingthedam.com

by Jake Bertalotto on Jan 4, 2009 4:10 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I might be dreaming

but I say the Beavs actually have the advantage right now. Offense looks in control and like you said below USC is having problems on offense.

-RVM

by rvm on Jan 4, 2009 4:11 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

five second call!

damn

They almost had one earlier I thought too

-RVM

by rvm on Jan 4, 2009 4:12 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Schaftenaar!!

--JB--
www.buildingthedam.com

by Jake Bertalotto on Jan 4, 2009 4:14 PM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Holy moly!

This isn’t last year!

-RVM

by rvm on Jan 4, 2009 4:18 PM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

hmm

quick 2 and foul or go for the tie?

by mannyfresh1 on Jan 4, 2009 4:19 PM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

This is a great game.

Claitt doesn’t look good, but that was a great steal.

--JB--
www.buildingthedam.com

by Jake Bertalotto on Jan 4, 2009 4:19 PM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

ROELAND FREAKING SCHAFTENAAAAAR!

It’s not over yet, but that was freaking huge.

--JB--
www.buildingthedam.com

by Jake Bertalotto on Jan 4, 2009 4:20 PM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

1.04. 1.04. 1.04.

Play defense. Play. Defense.

--JB--
www.buildingthedam.com

by Jake Bertalotto on Jan 4, 2009 4:22 PM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

1.4 now

--JB--
www.buildingthedam.com

by Jake Bertalotto on Jan 4, 2009 4:22 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I love our timer.

He’s definitely milking the clock. Too bad the officials are trying to get it right.

--JB--
www.buildingthedam.com

by Jake Bertalotto on Jan 4, 2009 4:24 PM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

OT!!!

They played awesome down the stretch, very patient and stayed in it.

-RVM

by rvm on Jan 4, 2009 4:25 PM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Are you kidding me? Sweet!

President of the Tijuana Beaver Nation Boosters Club - "We don't need no stinkin' touchdowns!"

by sandiegobeav on Jan 4, 2009 4:26 PM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Sounds like we've played well - what a great win

If we can hold on…is there a big crowd at GIll?

President of the Tijuana Beaver Nation Boosters Club - "We don't need no stinkin' touchdowns!"

by sandiegobeav on Jan 4, 2009 4:28 PM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

2:23 left

We can’t give up any offensive rebounds.

--JB--
www.buildingthedam.com

by Jake Bertalotto on Jan 4, 2009 4:32 PM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

no kidding

they keep getting them

but at least we got the TO

-RVM

by rvm on Jan 4, 2009 4:34 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Nice, I just found the radio broadcast on KPAM's website

I feel like I’m home for a change..

President of the Tijuana Beaver Nation Boosters Club - "We don't need no stinkin' touchdowns!"

by sandiegobeav on Jan 4, 2009 4:33 PM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

59-57!

President of the Tijuana Beaver Nation Boosters Club - "We don't need no stinkin' touchdowns!"

by sandiegobeav on Jan 4, 2009 4:34 PM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Advantage Beavers!

--JB--
www.buildingthedam.com

by Jake Bertalotto on Jan 4, 2009 4:34 PM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

WOWOW

President of the Tijuana Beaver Nation Boosters Club - "We don't need no stinkin' touchdowns!"

by sandiegobeav on Jan 4, 2009 4:35 PM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

We're going to WIN!

Holy freakin’ ****!

-RVM

by rvm on Jan 4, 2009 4:35 PM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Oh my, oh my, oh my!

President of the Tijuana Beaver Nation Boosters Club - "We don't need no stinkin' touchdowns!"

by sandiegobeav on Jan 4, 2009 4:35 PM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yes!!

--JB--
www.buildingthedam.com

by Jake Bertalotto on Jan 4, 2009 4:36 PM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

No more fouls please

President of the Tijuana Beaver Nation Boosters Club - "We don't need no stinkin' touchdowns!"

by sandiegobeav on Jan 4, 2009 4:37 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yes!!!

I feel so proud of the team!!!

by mannyfresh1 on Jan 4, 2009 4:37 PM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

oh no kidding

Stay with this team this year

-RVM

by rvm on Jan 4, 2009 4:38 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

WE WIN!!!!!!

President of the Tijuana Beaver Nation Boosters Club - "We don't need no stinkin' touchdowns!"

by sandiegobeav on Jan 4, 2009 4:37 PM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Just like football!

was the chant I heard

-RVM

by rvm on Jan 4, 2009 4:37 PM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Sweet - can we just play USC at home in every sport all the time?!

President of the Tijuana Beaver Nation Boosters Club - "We don't need no stinkin' touchdowns!"

by sandiegobeav on Jan 4, 2009 4:38 PM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I didn't think we could win

Really, but like mannyfresh1 I’m very proud of this team, they totally stayed with the game plan and I can’t believe they held up and were even better in OT!

I thought I had to wait for baseball season?! :)

-RVM

by rvm on Jan 4, 2009 4:40 PM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Man, dare we hope this is the start of something?

At a minimum, it’s a PAC-TEN WIN against a very good team…I’m proud too…

President of the Tijuana Beaver Nation Boosters Club - "We don't need no stinkin' touchdowns!"

by sandiegobeav on Jan 4, 2009 4:42 PM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

If we can beat USC, then we can beat.....

Most of the Pac-10?

--JB--
www.buildingthedam.com

by Jake Bertalotto on Jan 4, 2009 4:43 PM PST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

at home

I wish it translated into wins.

by mannyfresh1 on Jan 4, 2009 4:44 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

After this game (and not a totally horrible showing against UCLA) I think we can compete a good deal of the time.

-RVM

by rvm on Jan 4, 2009 4:45 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yeah, that could be the expectation, couldn't it?

That might cut both ways, but it has to make the team more confident which is something I haven’t seen for a couple of years

President of the Tijuana Beaver Nation Boosters Club - "We don't need no stinkin' touchdowns!"

by sandiegobeav on Jan 4, 2009 4:45 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

yep

That is one thing that surprised me the most is how well they played in OT, after SC gaining a bit of the upper hand the Beavs settled in and looked very good finishing this game off.

-RVM

by rvm on Jan 4, 2009 4:46 PM PST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Comments For This Post Are Closed


User Tools

Welcome to Building the Dam, an unoffical Oregon State Beavers website. We are a diverse online community who share in a common bond, the Oregon State Beavers. Make yourself at home by reading, posting and participating in all that we do.
Start posting about the Beavers »

Join SB Nation and dive into communities focused on all your favorite teams.

FanPosts

Community blog posts and discussion.

Recent FanPosts

Rodgers_small
College Football Preview, Part 3 of 11
Img_7879_small
Ryan Ortiz Update
Beaver_jaws_small
Joey Wong vs. Ryan Ortiz (?) in the Minors
Rodgers_small
College Football Preview, Part 2 of 11
Rodgers_small
College Football Preview, Part 1 of 11
2005-trophies-wp-1152_small
State of Athletic Program
Portland_coliseum_small
FREAKIN' GIOVANNI BERNARD.
Rodgers_small
Oregon Series Recap
Quizz2_small
Why I love our coaches....
Small
Injuries, injuries, injuries

Post_icon New FanPost All FanPosts Carrot-mini


Manager

Img_7879_small Jake Bertalotto

Authors

Osu_football02_small rvm

Finaltback_small The VD Special

Small Noghri_ViR

Rodgers_small ConnorOSU

Official Partner of CBS Sports