OSU ends ASU’s streak

The Oregon State University women's basketball team had not defeated Arizona State University in 18 games.

Nor had the Beavers experienced a win in two weeks.

But Thursday night at Gill Coliseum, Oregon State took care of business, defeating the Sun Devils 56-51 in front of a crowd of 1,120.

The Beavers (11-5, 2-3 Pac-12) started out slow, with shooting fouls and careless turnovers leading to sluggish play on both ends of the floor.

Arizona State (10-5, 1-3) got a big boost from its highest scoring non-starter, freshman forward Jada Blackwell. Blackwell would be a noticeable presence in the post, and knocked down a big three pointer from the corner to give the Sun Devils their biggest lead (10) midway through the first half.

Although the Beavers would find themselves playing catch-up for most of the game, keeping the score close was junior guard Sage Indendi, who went 3-for-3 from behind the 3-point line.

The Beavers were able to see the second half in a more victorious light.

"Second half was the team that competed against Stanford last week, that gives themselves opportunities to win games, and this is the team we need to continue to see, where it is not only position and rebounding, but making hustle plays, getting tips, giving ourselves opportunities out on the court and have a chance to win," said coach Scott Rueck.

Sophomore Guard Alexis Bostick's hustle and physical play would be an inspiration for the team.

"Alexis had a different energy and passion, her three-pointer was huge, she was big time in the second half," Rueck said.

Her biggest moment would be drawing the offensive charge with 24 seconds left to essentially seal the Beaver win.

"To practice all week and come in and execute what our coaches were saying and feel accomplished feels great," said senior forward Earlysia Marchbanks.

Last year, Oregon State lost three times to ASU by a combined total of 14 points.

"This is a great team and great program, been a top-three team in the (conference) for the past seven years," Rueck said. "Last year we went toe-to-toe with them three times and came up short in all three in the last minute, so it feels so good to get over that hump and that hurdle against this team and be the team that makes the plays down the stretch."

Oregon State will host the University of Arizona Saturday. The Beavers haven't found themselves in the win column twice in row during conference play since the '08-'09 campaign.

Jacob Shannon, sports writer

sports@dailybarometer.com