The Cougars ended their three game losing streak against Oregon State tonight after returning from a brutally long road trip. After the Cougars pulled out to an early double-digit lead, the Beavers fought back in the second half but could only cut the margin to four points before WSU pulled away to win by a final score of 84-70.
Player of the Game:
Klay Thompson notched his second-consecutive double-double, finishing with 29 points and 10 rebounds, leading the Cougars in both categories. Though it was not his best night shooting, going 9-for-19 from the field, Thompson provided exactly what the team needed in crucial moments of the game whether it was stepping out and hitting one of his five 3-pointers, or driving the lane and getting the crowd pumped after a ferocious dunk.
Play of the Game:
Brock Motum was the star of tonight's Play of the Game which might be worthy of Play of the Season honors. When Faisal Aden took a baseline jumper with 12 minutes left in the first half, the last person the Beavers thought would be a rebounding threat was Brock Motum, who was hovering around the 3-point line. Aden's shot took a high bounce off the front of the rim which gave Motum a chance to charge down the lane and throw down a one-handed put-back jam. Even though the 6-10 sophomore came from down under, he showed he is not afraid to get up.
Turning Point:
After being down by double-figures for most of the game, the Beavers cut the lead to four points with 7:33 left in the game, the closest they had been since six minutes into the game. Everything was going OSU's way until DeAngelo Casto took over. Within a minute the junior forward had two back-to-back dunks that rejuvenated the crowd and gave the Cougars some breathing room. WSU was living by the three in the first half, and dying by it in the second half until Casto's dunks opened the team's eyes to potential inside opportunities. Starting from Casto's first dunk, the Cougars finished the game going 9-of-10 from the field after starting the half 4-of-16.
Stat of the Game:
Coach Bone made it clear that he liked the way his team was moving the ball throughout the game as the Cougars finished with 18 assists, the most since they had 21 against Gonzaga Dec. 8. It was also more than the team had in the last two games combined, dishing out only five assists at USC and 12 against UCLA.
The Cougars will be back in action Saturday at 7:30 p.m. when they take on the Oregon Ducks who suffered a loss at Washington tonight. The team will look to avenge the three losses it suffered last season, including a controversial meeting at Friel Court and an overtime loss at the Pac-10 Tournament.
Until Next Time...Go Cougs!
Casey Johnson
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