Men's Basketball Opens with Victory
CORVALLIS, Ore. – and each recorded double-doubles as the Oregon State men’s basketball team opened the 2008-09 campaign with an 80-76 victory over Saint Martin’s in an exhibition contest at Gill Coliseum on Sunday night. Johnson led all players with 18 points and 12 rebounds in the victory while added 11 points and 11 rebounds.
Oregon State built up a 37-29 halftime lead as the Beavers shot 48.5 percent (16-of-33) from the floor in the first 20 minutes. Johnson led the Beavers with 12 points in the first half as and each added eight as the Beavers built an eight-point cushion.
Saint Martin’s would rally in the second half as the Saints eventually grabbed the lead at 50-48 with 13:32 remaining; however, Oregon State would use a 14-2 run over the next four minutes to build up a 10-point lead it would not relinquish.
The run was sparked by a pair of three-pointers by guard as Oregon State would manage to hold on for the victory as the Beavers made enough free throws down the stretch to hold off the Saints comeback.
For the contest, Oregon State held a decided 45-33 advantage on the boards en route to a 26-7 edge in points in the paint while holding Saint Martin’s to 45.5 percent from the field (30-of-66).
Five players scored in double figures for the Beavers as Johnson led the way with 18, while Deane added 15, poured in 11 with and each scoring 10.
added six assists while dished out five assists in the victory.
Bill Richardson led Saint Martin’s with 17 points on the night while Jake Linton tossed in 15 points in the loss.
Oregon State will return to action when the Beavers close out the exhibition portion of the schedule when they face Concordia (Ore.) University on Saturday, Nov. 8, at 7:00 p.m.
For tickets to the exhibition finale, contact the Oregon State ticket office at 1-800-GO-BEAVS or purchase at the Beavers ticket office the day of the game. Tickets to the exhibition game are $12.
OREGON STATE BASKETBALL TICKETS NOW ON SALE
Tickets for the 2008-09 men’s basketball season can be or by calling 1-800-GO-BEAVS. Tickets may also be purchased by visiting the OSU Athletic Ticket Office located at Gill Coliseum. Ticket office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
