Record:
10-2 (1-0)
Four Factors:
Offensive rebounding allowed the Huskies to have 8 extra possessions. They used those possessions to take 3 more field goals and 8 more free throws, which proved to be the edge in a game that was closer than most would have liked. The two teams turned the ball over the same amount, which is a win for OSU, who was below their norm while UW was above theirs.
Summary: Both teams opened the game shooting the ball well, and Oregon State went on a run first, with UW following. The game was pretty close throughout the first half until the end, when the Huskies were able to open it up a bit and head into the locker room with a ten point lead. Coming out in the second half, the teams traded baskets throughout until the end of the game. As time wound down, OSU began to close and got to within 3 points. The Dawgs were solid from the free throw line though, and were able to hit them in crunch time.
Player of the Game:
Isaiah Thomas had a very good first half in which he scored 13 points on 7 shots with just 1 turnover. He finished the game with 19 points, 5 rebounds, an assist and a steal. When Quincy Pondexter was a little off of his game early, Thomas kept the Huskies ahead and gave them the necessary cushion to hold off the Beavers in the second half.
It Was Over When:
With the lead whittled down to 3 points, Quincy Pondexter hit 2 free throws to make it a 2 possession game at 75-70.
Stat of the Game:
Matthew Bryan-Amaning, who has struggled this season shooting free throws, went 4/4
Other Observations:
Abdul Gaddy came out guns a-blazin' an reeled off 4 quick assists, and finished the game with a game high 5. A couple too many turnovers, but all in all this was the kind of performance he needs to have more often, and sustain throughout the course of an entire game.
Venoy Overton had 4 steals, and forced a couple other turnovers. He also added 13 points, 3 rebounds and 4 assists. Not a bad night all all for #1.
Scott Suggs sat the game out due to illness. His presence would have helped put OSU away, as he's the team's best set shooter. Here's hoping he gets healthy before the Ducks roll into town.
Tyreese Breshers didn't foul. Zero fouls. None. For a guy averaging over 10 fouls per 40 minutes, him playing 11 minutes without fouling is huge. He also blocked a couple shots, and pulled down 3 rebounds, so his aggressiveness was not curtailed.
QPon added another double double, with 20 points and 10 rebounds, 5 of them offensive. You know you're a stud when you put together games like this and they're sub par.