In a disappointing outing for Oregon State, the Beavers faced a crushing defeat against Santa Clara, losing 102-64 at Gill Coliseum. The game was marked by a series of turnovers and missed opportunities for Oregon State, as the Broncos capitalized on every mistake.
Both teams entered the match with notable three-point shooting skills, but it was Santa Clara that struck first. In the game’s opening minutes, the Broncos hit four three-pointers, quickly establishing an early 8-4 lead. Following a timeout, Oregon State’s offensive woes deepened as three consecutive turnovers allowed Santa Clara to extend their lead to ten points with just under fifteen minutes remaining in the first half.
Oregon State’s Josiah Lake II tried to spark a response with a step-back three-pointer, but Santa Clara’s relentless defense stifled their efforts. The Broncos’ guards applied intense pressure on Lake II, resulting in forced turnovers and dismal shooting from the Beavers, who went just 5-of-13 from the field in the first half. At halftime, Santa Clara dominated with a staggering 53-20 lead.
Lake II was Oregon State’s standout in the first half with 9 points, while Santa Clara showcased a collective effort with multiple players contributing: Christian Hammond and Thierry Darlan each scored 9 points, while Elijah Mahi and Jake Ensminger contributed 8 points each. The Broncos shot an impressive 60% from the field and maintained flawless free throw shooting.
Though Oregon State began the second half with some hope as Dez White knocked down three consecutive three-pointers, Santa Clara quickly regained control. The Broncos answered with a Mahi jumper, expanding their lead once more. By the end of the matchup, six different Santa Clara scorers had reached double figures, further highlighting the team’s balanced scoring ability.
Elijah Mahi ended the game as the top scorer with 23 points, while Oregon State’s Josiah Lake II led his team with 19 points. The defeat marks Oregon State’s record at 7-7 overall and 0-1 in West Coast Conference play. Looking ahead, the Beavers will have the opportunity to bounce back against San Francisco on December 30th, with a tip-off scheduled for 7 PM (PST) at Gill Coliseum, available for streaming on ESPN+.
Despite the disappointment, Oregon State still has the chance to regroup and restore their momentum in the upcoming game, offering a glimmer of hope for fans and players alike.