:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/53101177/usa_today_9858911.0.jpg)
Oregon State continues to be winless in the Pac-12, as they were defeated by a hot-shooting Arizona State team, 81-68. The Beavers quickly jumped out to a 12-6 lead with 13:37 left in the first half. Arizona State got hot from the three point line and quickly took control of the game. The Sun Devils led 20-12 with 10 minutes left in the first half, and they would never relinquish the lead. Arizona State led 44-25 at Halftime. The Beavers were able to cut Arizona State’s lead to 9 points, trailing 58-49 with 10:12 left in the game, which would be the closest the Beavers would be from the lead in the second half. Afterwards, Arizona State wore down the Beavers and were able to cruise to a 81-68 victory over the Beavers. Drew Eubanks led the Beavers with 22 points. Sun Devils’s Junior Guard Shannon Evans II and Senior Guard Torian Graham both led Arizona State with 21 points each. The Beavers fall to 4-21 overall, and 0-11 in Pac-12.
Here are some takeaways from the game.
The Beavers Out-rebounded Arizona State
The Beavers out-rebounded the Sun Devils 43-27, which is a huge positive for a Beaver team constantly dominated on the boards. Eubanks was able to snag 17 rebounds and Gligorije Rakocevic pulled 7 boards. Eubanks was dominant on the boards. Big G has taken positive steps forward the last couple of weeks. It is essential for Big G to continue to improve in order to take the pressure of Eubanks.
25% From Three Point Land Won’t Cut the Mustard
The Beavers had some excellent looks from three point land, but only shot 7-28. Arizona State won the game with their excellent 13-27 three point shooting(48.1%). The Beavers need to develop the confidence to get their shots to fall. They don’t necessarily need to live and die by the three point shot, they just need to do a better job converting when the three point opportunities are open to them.
Final Thoughts
The Beavers need to move on from this week and focus on a tough upcoming road trip against the LA schools. Obviously, the Beavers will be heavy underdogs in both contests. The Beavers need to continue to keep fighting and playing hard. The Beavers were able to play the LA schools tough when both schools came to Gill in late December. The goal for the Beavers this week is to bring focus and mental toughness to road games, so they can learn how to have success away from Gill.