Beavers top Gonzaga, 76-70

The Beavers got all they could handle from the Gonzaga Bulldogs, but they pulled out a victory at Gill Coliseum and advanced to the ‘Sweet Sixteen’ for the fourth year in a row.

Gonzaga’s leading scorer, Zykera Rice, (well-known for her bright blue hair) did not want her senior season to end. She finished with 20 points for the Bulldogs and was the Zags focal point on offense. Oregon State’s offense while disjointed at times due to Gonzaga’s pressure, relied on a balanced effort to move onto the next round.

Oregon State would not have won this game without Mikayla Pivec’s impressive effort on both ends of the floor. She finished with 19 points, 11 rebounds, 6 assists and a block. Taya Corosdale played all 40 minutes and finished with 12 points and 7 rebounds; including a huge three-pointer with 1:47 left to put the Beavers up 65-61.

The game was extremely physical (42 called fouls), but Oregon State didn’t have any problems at the free throw line hitting 23-of-28. The Beavers uncharacteristically struggled at the charity strip in the opening round against Boise State.

Gonzaga was one of the top three-point shooting teams in the nation, but hit just three shots from downtown. They clearly missed Laura Stockton and Jill Townsend tonight. Although Gonzaga’s guards played tough defense on Destiny Slocum and Aleah Goodman for much of the game.

While this wasn’t the most aesthetically pleasing game the Beavers have played this season it was a hard-fought team victory. Maddie Washington was fantastic and Joanna Grymek caused problems for Gonzaga’s front court. The Beavers played just seven players tonight and will receive a welcome break as their next game is on Friday in Albany, New York. Louisville will poise a tough challenge for the Beavers. Stay tuned to Building the Dam for a preview on the sweet sixteen matchup.