Oregon State Basketball: Beavers Win Comfortably in Season Opener against Southern Utah, 99-82

First Half:

Tres Tinkle scored the Beavers first basket of the season and the Beavers led 8 to 6 at the first TV timeout at just under 16 minutes left in the first half. Senior Graduate transfer Seth Berger had early foul trouble by quickly earning three fouls. In addition, Wayne Tinkle received a Technical Foul for coming on the court debating a hooking foul on Freshman Alfred Hollins. The game started out very physicial. Drew Eubanks and Southern Utah Forward Christian Musoko were hit with Double Technical Fouls for an extra carricular scrap after being tangled up. Both teams ended up in the bonus with more than 10 minutes left in the First Half. The Beavers extended their lead with a 28 to 16 with 7:21 left in the half thanks to an Eubanks bucket and free throw. The Beavers would dominate the rest of the half, thanks to an aggressive defense, which led to transition points. It was definitely the Beavers night as Tres Tinkle hit a three-quarters last second heave at the end of the half to extend the Beaver lead to 51-28, at the break. Tinkle led all scorers at the half with 14 pts. Ethan Thompson had 11 and Eubanks had 9 at the half. Beavers shot 56 percent at the end of the first half, while holding the Thunderbirds to 33 percent. In addition, the Beavers forced 8 Thunderbird turnovers. Here is Tinkle’s Buzzer Beater!

Second Half

The Beavers continued to control the game as they held a 60-37 lead at the first T.V. Timeout. However, Eubanks did pick up his 4th foul early in the half. Seth Berger also picked up his 4th foul. Beavers were in serious foul trouble in the second half. During the 10 minute mark of the half, the Beavs had 4 guys with 4 fouls. JaQuori McLaughlin and Tinkle also had 4 fouls at the 10 minute mark. The Beavers, however were able to control the rest of the half. Southern Utah was able to take advantage of Beaver foul trouble by attacking the hoop. Beavers were able to finish by winning 99-82.

Final Thoughts

The Beavers played tremendous in the first half. The Second Half was so-so. The Beavers did not finish the game well defensively. They gave up 54 points to the Thunderbirds in the Second Half. Beaver Foul Trouble played a major factor as the Beavers did not play as aggressive of Defense in the Second Half. However, the Beavers did add 48 points offensively and shot 54 percent, while holding Southern Utah to 38 percent. Tres Tinkle led all scorers with 24 points. Ethan Thompson had 20 and both Stephen Thompson Jr. and Eubanks had 16. After last season, Beaver Nation has to assume that the 2017-18 will be much better than last year. Also, congrats to Wayne Tinkle for getting his 200 career win.