The Oregon State women’s basketball team secured a narrow victory over Montana State Bobcats, winning 53-51 in their opening game of the Maui Classic on Friday evening. Despite a challenging start, the Beavers showed resilience and determination in the final moments to clinch the win.
Oregon State fell behind early, struggling to find their rhythm as they trailed 8-0 in the first few minutes. It wasn’t until nearly five minutes in that Lizzy Williamson scored their first points, allowing the team to regain some momentum. While the Beavers initially fought back to narrow the gap, they ended the first quarter two points behind.
The second quarter saw a turnaround for Oregon State, primarily driven by Tiara Bolden, who sparked the offense, helping the team to finally take their first lead halfway through the period. With four minutes remaining in the half, the Beavers had extended their lead to 22-17. However, Montana State responded with a powerful 9-0 run to close out the half, leaving Oregon State trailing by five points when the teams went into the locker room.
As the second half progressed, both teams exchanged leads, with Jamison Philip contributing to Montana State’s offense while Jenna Villa heated up for Oregon State. The game entered the fourth quarter with Montana State leading 43-40. The final period was intense, featuring several lead changes that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
With just under two minutes left, a turnaround jumper from Kennedie Shuler gave the Beavers a crucial four-point lead. The team then executed solid defensive plays that allowed them to maintain their advantage, heading to the free-throw line with a 50-46 lead. However, two missed foul shots opened the door for the Bobcats, and Taylee Chirrick capitalized on the moment with a three-pointer, bringing the score to 50-49. Jenna Villa responded with two clutch free throws, extending the lead back to three points. Ultimately, despite a last-ditch effort from Montana State, Oregon State held on for the slim victory.
Jenna Villa was a standout performer, shooting six-for-nine from the field and scoring a total of 19 points. Meanwhile, Kennedie Shuler not only contributed nine points but also led the team with seven assists.
The Beavers will look to build on this win as they prepare to face the Liberty Flames on Saturday night at 8 p.m. PT in their next game of the Maui Classic. This opening win may set a positive tone for their tournament journey, showcasing their ability to overcome adversity.