Beavers Fall to Washington State for Third Loss In a Row

Oregon State’s struggles in the Pac-12 continue, as the Beavers dropped a tough fought game on the road against Washington State, 61-55. Oregon State has now lost their last three games, for an overall 3-3 record, and a 1-3 record in the Pac-12 conference.

The game started all Beavers, with Taylor Jones leading the team on an early 7-0 run. The Beavers stayed in front untill Bella Murekatete powered a Washington State comeback, with Krystal Leger-Walker hitting a three to give the Cougs a 16-14 lead at the end of the first. Things stayed close in the 2nd quarter, until an explosive surge from Wazzu combined with some Oregon State turnovers powered the Cougars to 10 point 35-25 halftime lead.

The third quarter opened with some big moves from Sasha Goforth to get the Beavers back in the game. A driving layup from Goforth briefly gave OSU the lead, setting the stage for a tightly contested fourth quarter. Unfortunately for the Beavers, the fourth belonged to WSU’s Johanna Teder, who hit three threes and scored 11 points to get the Cougars the win.

It was another night in which the Beavers never quite found their rhythm, despite good stretches in the first and third. Goforth had a pretty good night, with 14 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists. Aleah Goodman also finished with 14 points, and added 3 rebounds and 3 assists. Taylor Jones rounded out the top scorers with 13 points, 10 rebounds and 2 assists.

Oregon State drastically lost the turnover, 20-8. Washington State scored 31 points off those turnovers. Turnovers have historically been an issue with the type of the game the Beavers like to play, but with the problem is exacerbated with the team still coming together. Things will get better once team chemistry develops, but the schedule isn’t getting any easier, so we could be in for a tough season.

Up next for the Beavers is a visit to the 4-2 Washington Huskies on Monday, December 21st. Tip off is set for 2:00 PM PT.