Oregon State smashes Tennessee, 70-56

Oregon State is moving on to the round of 32!

And what a game it was. Just absolute wire-to-wire domination by the Beavers. Roman Silva was dominant inside as the Vols choose not to double him for much of the game and he finished with a new career-high of 16 points (a perfect 8/8 from the field). Jarod Lucas and Zach Reichle were both splashing long three-pointers and Oregon State just would not be denied. They are playing with so much confidence and energy right now.

The real story was on the defensive side of the ball for the Beavs. Oregon State’s intensity, solid close-outs and in-your-face mentality made life difficult for Tennessee all game long. A late rally helped boost Tennessee’s numbers, but they still shot just 33% from the field and 19% from three. The Beavers lead by 20 at one point and it never got particularly close at the end.

The 12/5 “upset” was just the 2nd upset of the tournament thanks to Oral Roberts shocking defeat of Ohio State earlier in the day. Also it was the first NCAA tournament win since 1982 for Oregon State. Extend Wayne Tinkle!

Oregon State will face the winner of the Oklahoma State/Liberty game on Sunday. The game times will be released either late tonight or early tomorrow. Will it a be another battle of OSU’s? If so, Oregon State will have a great opportunity to try and lockdown Cade Cunningham and company. Go Beavers!