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The Matchup: Oregon State Beavers at Washington Huskies
Game Info: 1/24/14- 2 p.m. tip off at Alaska Airlines Arena
TV Info: Pac-12 Networks Radio: Sports Radio KJR 950
Records: Oregon State- 11-7 (3-3 Pac-12). Washington- 12-8 (4-3)
Coach- Craig Robinson- Robinson is in his sixth year as head coach of the Beavers, where he has compiled an 88-95 record. Robinson was the coach at Brown for two seasons before heading to Corvallis. He was a two time Ivy League Player of the Year at Princeton, and played professionally in Britain before returning to the U.S. to coach.
Series- UW leads the all-time series against Oregon State 155-138. Lorenzo Romar is 17-7 against the Beavers during his career.
Scouting Report
- Did you know Oregon State head coach Craig Robinson is the older brother of the First Lady, Michelle Obama? This is easily the most overused line by announcers throughout the year, and every Pac-12 fan has probably heard it 20+ times. I’m not sure what’s more overused, the line about Robinson, or the Isaiah Thomas was given his name after his dad lost a bet story. So yes, Robinson is Barack Obama’s brother-in-law.
- You may not have known that Robinson was offered to play basketball at the UW, but was pushed by his father to play at Princeton due to their academic reputation.
- Oregon State played its first 14 games without starting forward Eric Moreland, who was suspended for a violation of team rules. Since his return Moreland has averaged 9.7 points and 8.7 rebounds a game. A 6’10 post with great length and athleticism, Moreland definitely has NBA potential.
- Ryan Appleby set a Husky record against the Beavers when he hit nine 3-pointers in one game against OSU on Feb. 16, 2008.
Players to watch
Roberto Nelson-Nelson is currently the Pac-12’s leading scorer at 21.7 per game. Nelson is clearly the first option and isn’t afraid to shoot, averaging 13.8 attempts per game. Nelson shoots 45% from the field, 40% from three, and 86% from the free throw line. He has scored over 20 points on 12 different occasions this season, and scored over 30 twice.
Devon Collier- A senior from Bronx, NY, Collier provides the brunt down low for the Beavers. He is averaging 14.1 points and seven rebounds a game, and is shooting a Pac-12 high 62% from the field Collier started the season strong averaging 16.5 PPG during non-conference, but is averaging just 7 per game during Pac-12 play.
The Huskies win if…
They bring it on the defensive end. The Beavers are no joke on offense this season, averaging 77.2 PPG. Oregon State currently ranks 9th in the nation in field goal percentage and 7th in three point percentage. Led by Roberto Nelson, the Beavers have plenty of other options who can score, so the Huskies will have their hands full on defense. The Huskies have been a better defensive team at home this season so if they can continue their strong performance at Hec Ed than they can create easier opportunities on the offensive end.
Closing Comments
After a big victory against Oregon, the Huskies will hope to complete the home sweep and get back on track for a postseason run. If C.J. Wilcox can continue playing at a high level, the Huskies can compete with anyone in the conference. Andrew Andrews and Nigel Williams-Goss both have been scoring the ball well and will need to continue to do so to take the pressure off Wilcox. I like the Huskies at home 85-74.
Leave your comments and predictions for the game in the comments section below. Go Dawgs!