In its first game at the Paradise Jam tournament in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Oregon State men’s basketball lost, 73-69, to University of Evansville on Friday.
The Beavers (3-2) shot just 37% from the field and committed several untimely turnovers. They were led by Noah Amenhauser with 17 points and Josiah Lake II with 16.
The Purple Aces (3-3) got 16 from Joshua Hughes, 15 from Bryce Quinet, and 14 from Leif Moeller.
OSU got out to a slow start, falling behind 26-18 while shooting just 21%. That included a streak of 10 consecutive missed shots.
The Beavers settled as the first half progressed, however, getting it down to 30-28 Evansville at the break behind 10 first half points from Lake.
OSU came out hot in the second half, hitting five of six shots and spreading the ball around. The Beavers took a 38-32 lead on the Purple Aces.
Evansville would hit four straight shots to take a 44-41 lead, however, midway through the second half. OSU committed five turnovers in five minutes during the run.
Evansville extended the lead to 52-41, making it a 20-3 run overall with 10:21 to go.
With both teams in the double bonus, Evansville went cold, and it allowed OSU to get back in the game at the free throw line. The Beavers cut it to 58-53 with six minutes left.
The Purple Aces would hold on down the stretch, though, as OSU couldn’t claw back despite some three-point marksmanship by Malcolm Christie, who hit three long balls on the night.
A three by Christie with six seconds left cut it to 72-69, but Evansville hit one of two free throws to seal the win.
Next game: Oregon State (3-2) vs. Iona (4-1)
- When: Saturday, Nov. 22
- Time: 2:30 pm PT
- Where: Paradise Jam tournament (Saint Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands)
- Stream: ESPN+
