Team USA Battles Past Beavers in Memorable Night In Gill

CORVALLIS – The No. 6/7 Oregon State women's basketball battled the USA Women's National Basketball Team hard Monday evening, as the Stars and Stripes took an 81-58 win at Gill Coliseum.

"This we an amazing day overall, and an amazing opportunity tonight," said Oregon State head coach Scott Rueck. "What an atmosphere that was. Usually that's an environment that comes a little later in the season, but this year we got to experience it on November fourth. It really sums up Beaver Nation. You take the court in that environment and you look down the floor and see the best team in the world. You knew they were going to come with a great effort tonight, and I was happy with the way we responded. I loved our mindset, and this will be something to build upon and grow from. It's a moment we will never forget."

Destiny Slocum led the Beavers with 15 points and five assists. Aleah Goodman tallied 14 points and pulled down five rebounds, while Mikayla Pivec recorded 10 points, five assists and three steals.

Taylor Jones continued to impress in the early phases of her freshman season, scoring six points on 3-for-7 shooting, pulling down nine rebounds and playing strong defensive in the post. Fellow freshman Kennedy Brown tallied seven points.

"This is a blessing," Slocum said. "We were playing across from players we have looked up to our entire lives. I can't wait to watch the film of the way they played us. There is so much to learn from."

A'ja Wilson led the USA with 18 points and nine rebounds. Nneka Ogwumike notched 17 points and six boards, while Sylvia Fowles put up 13 points, four rebounds and three blocks.

Oregon State got off to a strong start, taking a 7-3 lead early on. The teams went back and forth through the first period, with the USA ending the first up 18-17. The two sides continued to trade blows in the second period, as the Stars and Stripes went to the break up 36-31.

Slocum scored eight first-half points, while Jones put up six points and nine rebounds in the opening 20 minutes.

The USA was able to create a little separation in the second half, taking a 60-43 advantage at the end of three quarters, on its way to the 23-point win.

During the USA's morning shootaround the Beavers were able to join the team, and pick up some wisdom from the best players in the world.

The Beavers will open the regular season Saturday when UC Irvine visits Gill Coliseum for the first round of the WNIT.

Oregon State is one of the most successful programs in the last decade of the sport. The Beavers have appeared in every WBCA Coaches' Poll since the end of the 2013-14 season. Four returning starters and nine overall letterwinners return from last year's team that went 26-8, advanced to the NCAA Tournament for the sixth straight year, and played in the Sweet 16 for the fourth consecutive season.

Season tickets for the 2019-20 season at on sale now, and can be purchased here or by calling 541-737-2050.

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Team USA Battles Past Beavers in Memorable Night In Gill

Players Mentioned

Kennedy Brown

Aleah Goodman

Taylor Jones

Mikayla Pivec

Destiny Slocum

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