Oregon State
Idaho St
Women's Basketball Tops Idaho State
November 26, 1999 | Women's Basketball
Nov. 26, 1999
CORVALLIS, Ore. - Ericka Cook registered her first career double-double to lead the Oregon State women's basketball team to a 61-47 victory over Idaho State in the first day of competition at the Beaver Classic on Friday night.
Cook scored a team-best 16 points to go along with a career-high 10 rebounds to send the Beavers (2-0) into Saturday's championship game.
Idaho State (2-1) was led by Mandi Carver, who led all players with 17 points and 12 rebounds.
In addition to Cook's strong performance, the Beavers got some outstanding play from Syesha Thomas, who finished with 11 points, just one off her career-high. She scored all 11 points in the second half, highlighted by a career-best three 3-point baskets.
"We had all the confidence in the world that we could go to Syesha," said coach Judy Spoelstra.
Felicia Ragland also turned in a career-best six assists while adding nine points, seven rebounds and three steals.
But turnovers and strong defense proved to be the key to the game.
Neither team shot above .400 on the night, with Idaho State at .333 and Oregon State at .393. The Bengals also committed 31 turnovers, while the Beavers turned the ball over 28 times.
"Our defense won this game for us, but I have to give credit to Idaho State for their defense too," Spoelstra said.
OSU will take on Marquette in the Beaver Classic championship game at 7 p.m., Saturday, November 27, while Idaho State will meet Pacific in the third-place game at 5 p.m. Marquette defeated Pacific, 86-81, in overtime to advance to the championship game.
