Oregon State
Northwest Christian
Beavers Bounce Beacons In Season Opener
November 15, 2015 | Men's Basketball
Corvallis, Ore. – Four players scored in double figures and Oregon State pulled away in the second half to defeat Northwest Christian 74-52 on Saturday afternoon before an opening day crowd of 4,594 at Gill Coliseum.
Senior guard Gary Payton II had 16 points, six rebounds, six assists, three steals and two blocked shots to lead the Beavers to their fifth opening-day win in the past six years in the first-ever meeting between the schools.
Freshman forward Tres Tinkle added 14 points, freshman center Drew Eubanks 13 points, eight rebounds and two blocks and freshman guard Stephen Thompson Jr. 12 points on four 3-point baskets.
The Beavers (1-0) struggled in the first half and led just 33-27 at the break despite leading by as many as many as nine points (20-11). However, they started the second half on a 10-0 run to surge ahead 43-27 with 14:50 to play.
The Beacons never got closer than 12 points thereafter. OSU's cushion reached 31 points (68-37) at its zenith on two free throws by Eubanks with 4:17 remaining.
OSU enjoyed a 38-16 edge on points in the paint and converted 18 NCC floor errors into a 17-2 advantage in points off turnovers. OSU also outscored the Beacons 16-0 on fast-break points.
The Beavers return to action on Tuesday with a 7 p.m. game against Iona, picked to be a championship contender in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC). It will be televised by Pac-12 Networks.
The Gaels open their season at Valparaiso on Sunday afternoon. OSU hosts Valparaiso on Nov. 24. Iona advanced to the NIT in 2015 after losing to Manhattan in the championship game of the MAAC tournament.
Fans can still purchase season and single-game tickets by visiting this link or calling 800-GO-BEAVS. Far West Classic Invite tickets will be included for all men's basketball season-ticket holders, giving fans a total of 16 more games to watch in Corvallis and Portland during the 2015-16 season.
For Far West Classic Invite ticket opportunities and other information, go to www.rosequarter.com/FWC2015.
