Oregon State Uses Strong Second Half to Down USC.

Oregon State showed their full potential in 85-70 win over #21 USC. The Beavers used a monster second half where they outscored the Trojans 49-30. Gary Payton ll lead the Beavers with 22 points, 15 rebounds, eight assists, four steals, and one block. Two other starters finished in double figures, Tres Tinkle added 18 and Drew Eubanks 12. Stephen Thompson Jr. added 11 points off the bench. The Trojans were lead by Elijah Stewart with 16 points.

In fact, all 5 USC starters average scoring in double figures, and only 2, Katin Reinhardt with 14 points and Julian Jacobs with 10, got there against the Beaver defense (Stewart came off the bench).

As the second half opened up the Pac-12 Network showed Oregon State's sloppy play in the first half. Most notably, Gary Payton ll uncharacteristic turnovers, which added up to three in the first half. Oregon State had six total turnovers, however bad the Pac-12 Network showed the Beavers' first half, they were only down four 40-36.

The Beavers started off the second half strong, scoring seven straight points to take an early 43-40. However the game was quickly tied at 45, and it looked like it would be a grinder, much like the first half. Tres Tinkle took over the game for a another Beavers' run, this time a nine point run to give them some breathing room. Gary Payton added a layup to Tinkle seven points.

The defense for Oregon State stepped up big too, holding USC scoreless several times as the Beavers slowly extended their lead. Stephen Thompson Jr. hit a jumper to give the Beavers their first double dígit lead. The Beavers' defense and rebounding allowed them to take over the game late in the second half. Oregon State had five blocks and seven steals in the second half.

With 1:50 left in the game, Oregon State had a 88-60 lead. The crowd was ecstatic as they knew the upset was almost secure. Oregon State finished the game strong, with a 15 point win. With the win Oregon State improves to (12-6, 3-4 Pac-12), while USC drops to (15-5, 4-3 Pac-12). The Beavers travel to Arizona State Thursday, game time is at 5:30 on the Pac 12 Network.