WBB: Florida State ends Oregon State’s Season, Winning 66-53

Florida State knocked off the Beavers 66-53 on Saturday in Stockton, California. Oregon State knew they were going up against a talented, athletic Florida State team but despite accruing a 17-point lead early, the Beavers cold shooting and turnovers doomed them as they watch the Seminoles advance in the NCAA tournament. The loss sends Oregon State home and ends Sydney Wiese’s decorated career in Corvallis, along with her fellow seniors.

Here’s how the game played out:

First Quarter

Everything went right for the Beavers early. They jumped out to a 21-4 lead and were suffocating Florida State on the defensive end. Freshman guard, Mikayla Pivec was aggressive scoring the ball and Oregon State looked cool, calm and collected while Florida State looked out of sync. FSU closed the first quarter on a mini-run to close the gap, but the Beavers took a 23-12 lead after one.

Second Quarter

Florida State picked up the effort in the second quarter and Oregon State looked rattled. Scott Rueck called a timeout after FSU cut the lead to six, 26-20. FSU went on a 16-5 run after they fell behind by 17. The Beavers clung to a 35-30 lead entering halftime.

Third Quarter

Oregon State’s struggles continued in the third as FSU forced six turnovers before the Beavers could hit their second field goal of the half. Florida State was led by Leticia Romero who ended with 18 points on 8-for-12 shooting. The Beavers forced the talented guard into a number of tough shots, but she managed to hit them even with a hand in her face. Florida State took a 46-42 lead into the final quarter.

Fourth Quarter

The Beavers managed to tie the game up, 46-46 but Florida State went back to forcing turnovers and hitting contested shots. FSU rebuilt their lead and as time dwindled down Oregon State could not close the gap, they tried fouling to get back into it but Florida State was solid from the free throw line and Oregon State was ice-cold from the perimeter ending the day 2-for-17 from behind the arc.

Unfortunately, Sydney Wiese ends her career on a down note as she was unable to hit a three-pointer which snaps her 30 game streak with at least one make from the perimeter. She was 0-for-10 from downtown and made just 3 field goals all game. Florida State did an excellent job at using their athleticism to disrupt her rhythm and force her into uncomfortable positions.

Fellow seniors Gabby Hanson and Kolbie Orum had strong final games in Oregon State uniforms. Orum led the Beavers with 12 points off the bench and grabbed 7 rebounds. Gabby Hanson had a great game defensively and scored 9 points.

Game Notes:

• Florida State’s Ivey Slaughter nearly notched a triple-double. 11 points, 8 rebounds and 9 steals. NINE STEALS!
• Which is one of the main reasons Oregon State turned the ball over 23 times.
• Breanna Brown finished with 8 points, 8 rebounds and 4 huge blocks. She was fantastic defensively and did not allow Florida State to get many easy baskets.

Overall it’s never fun to end the season with a loss, but Beaver fans will always remember this group of seniors who helped turn this program around.