Oregon State
USC
Defense Dominates as Beavers Drop USC
February 01, 2015 | Women's Basketball
CORVALLIS, Ore. - An outstanding defensive effort helped power the No. 7/7 Oregon State women's basketball team to season-sweep of USC, as the Beavers defeated the Women of Troy 68-35 Saturday afternoon in front of a crowd of 4,511 at Gill Coliseum.
The Beavers held USC to 25 percent shooting in the contest, as the Women of Troy scored their lowest total in school history. USC is the eighth team the Beavers have limited to less than 30 percent shooting this season.
Junior Deven Hunter notched her fifth career double-double, finishing with 15 points, 10 rebounds and four assists. She shot 6-for-9 from the floor and 2-for-3 from three-point range.
Fellow junior Jamie Weisner continued her hot run of form, scoring 21 points to notch her fourth 20+ point game in OSU's last five outings. She finished the day 7-for-13 from the field and 5-for-10 from long distance.
“I love the focus we played with today, especially defensively,” said Oregon State head coach Scott Rueck. “Credit to USC for disrupting our offense early in the game. I loved the way we finished the first half, and I loved the way we came out in the second half. We were laser-focused on both ends of the floor and we got out in the open court when the opportunity was there. Our team made plays all day, and this was a great team win.”
As a team, Oregon State shot 46.4 percent from the field, including 59.3 percent in the second half. The Beavers also hit 41.7 percent of their attempts from beyond the arc.
Junior Ruth Hamblin blocked eight shots and pulled down nine rebounds in the contest. Gabriella Hanson and Marie Gulich tallied eight points apiece in the winning effort. Sophomore Sydney Wiese led all players with five of Oregon State's 19 assists.
The Beavers never trailed in the contest.
“This was another incredible atmosphere to play in,” Rueck said. “I'm so proud of Beaver Nation for coming out and joining us. The way they support us is incredible.”
The teams went back and forth for the first 10 minutes. The Beavers were able to create some separation late in the opening frame by virtue of their defense. Oregon State held the Women of Troy scoreless for the final 7:23 of the first half, and was able to convert that into a 14-2 run. USC shot just 21.2 percent in the first half, as the Beavers took a 27-15 lead into the break.
Oregon State continued its outstanding defensive play in the second half, holding the Women of Troy to two points in the first seven minutes of the frame as the Beavers jumped out to a commanding 45-17 lead. Oregon Sate would continue to control the game from there, leading by as many as 35 to take the win by 32 points.
The Beavers are back in action Monday when they host UCLA at 7 p.m.
Game Notes:
- Oregon State improved the best start in school history, moving to 19-1
- Oregon State completed its first season-sweep of USC since the 2003-04 season
- The Beavers also have the best start to conference play in school history at 9-0
- USC's 35 points in the lowest total they have ever scored.
- Ruth Hamblin notched eight blocks, extending her career record to 250
- Jamie Weisner scored 21 points. She is now 15 short of 1,000 in her career.
- OSU has now scored first in 18 of their last 20 games
- Hunter recorded the fifth double double of her career, second this season
- Weisner recorded her fifth 20+ game of the year, 15th career
- Oregon State held USC to 0 fast break points
- Ties season best of fewest points by opponent with 35
