The Oregon State Beavers pulled off a thrilling 70-63 double overtime victory over the Cal Poly Mustangs on Saturday night. The Beavers were led by junior guard Jarod Rataj, who recorded a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds.
Rataj was the star of the show, as he scored seven points in the second overtime period to help the Beavers pull away. He also grabbed four rebounds in the extra period, including a crucial offensive board that allowed Oregon State to take the lead for good.
The Beavers had a balanced attack throughout the game, with five players scoring in double figures. Senior forward Tres Tinkle had 14 points and eight rebounds, while junior guard Stephen Thompson Jr. added 12 points and five assists. Sophomore guard Ethan Thompson chipped in 11 points and four assists, and freshman forward Alfred Hollins had 10 points and four rebounds.
The Mustangs were led by senior guard Donovan Fields, who scored a game-high 22 points. He was joined in double figures by senior forward Kuba Niziol, who had 13 points and seven rebounds.
The game was close throughout, with neither team leading by more than six points at any point in regulation. The Beavers held a slim 33-31 lead at halftime, but the Mustangs rallied to take a 48-45 lead late in the second half. Oregon State responded with a 7-0 run to take a 52-48 lead, but Cal Poly answered with a 5-0 run of their own to tie the game at 52-52 at the end of regulation.
In the first overtime period, the teams traded baskets until Rataj hit a three-pointer with 1:30 remaining to give Oregon State a 61-58 lead. Fields responded with a three of his own to tie the game at 61-61 and send it to a second overtime period.
In the second overtime period, Rataj took over, scoring seven of Oregon State’s nine points to help them pull away for the 70-63 victory. The win improved the Beavers’ record to 8-2 on the season, while the Mustangs dropped to 4-5.
Oregon State will look to continue their winning ways when they take on the Arizona Wildcats on Wednesday night.
