Beavers Use 24-5 Run To Stun Colorado, 76-68

The Beavers (11-3, 1-1 Pac-12) lost their Pac-12 opener to Utah and they visited Boulder on Sunday night to face the Buffaloes (12-3, 1-1) in a pivotal Pac-12 tilt. Colorado after all, had just shocked #4 Oregon last Thursday and was hoping to bring the momentum against Oregon State.

After losing to Utah, the Beavers were facing a potential 0-2 start to open conference play and needed a win to split the road trip to go 1-1 on the year. Senior Ethan Thompson lead the way with 24 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists while Tres Tinkle struggled after going 5/14 from the field and picking up 2 early fouls in the first half. Junior, Zach Reichie had a stellar performance as he put up 19 points to help the Beavs stay in the game while Tres struggled.

Colorado had a dominant first half, led by Juniors Tyler Bay and McKinley Wright IV which gave the Buffaloes a 32-39 lead at halftime. Colorado had the Beavers exactly where they wanted as they led by 11 (52-63) with 7:29 left on the clock, but Oregon State would have an answer.

Coach Tinkle would switch from a 2-3 zone to a 1-3-1 defense that would frustrate the Buffalos and help the Beavers rally back, and take a 67-66 lead with 2:23 left. Oregon State would go on a 24-5 run in the second half and defeat Colorado on their home floor. The Beavers shot 56% from the field in the second half and go 18-21 from the FT line as they come up with a big road win. Beavers hope to carry this energy as they face Arizona State (9-5, 0-1) at Gill on Thursday January 9th. That game will be at 8:00PM on ESPN2/ESPNU. Check back with Building the Dam for more coverage.