Women’s Civil War: Beavers and Ducks deadlocked going in

Every year, Oregon State and Oregon take a shot at each other's ego, playing for what always feels like the ‘last say' in a debate that will never end.

Saturday at Gill Coliseum, the Oregon State women's basketball team (12-7, 3-5 Pac-12) will battle Oregon for much more than the Pac-12's middle ground. All the pride is at stake, and the two teams enter the game — the last of the first half of conference play — deadlocked in the conference standings.

The Beavers are coming off a road win at USC, which was Oregon State's first win against an opponent with a winning record under second-year head coach Scott Rueck. The Beavers defeated the Trojans — who were ranked at one time this year — by four in overtime.

"We finally got the close game, it gives us so much confidence, knowing everything we do in practice is paying off," junior guard Sage Indendi said.

This confidence building creates momentum in preparation for Oregon's offense, ranked second in the conference in scoring.

"They are explosive offensively, this team has a lot of talent, and if you let them do what they want to do, they can score from everywhere," Rueck said. " I think that is key, our ability to slow them down, and make them work for baskets."

Amanda Johnson leads the Ducks offensively, but will not play as she recovers from a thumb injury sustained in December. Nia Jackson is who Oregon State will key defensively.

"It all starts with Jackson, she is an incredible player, she can create situations every time she touches the ball, and that is what makes them go," Rueck said.

But both rank at the bottom of the Pac-12 in defending the 3-point line (OSU 11th, Oregon last). This plays in the Ducks' favor, as guard Loera Jordan ranks fourth in 3-pointers made and success rate, something Oregon State has had trouble defending as of late.

"Three-point shooting is definitely a concern, we made USC take some tough shots, but in the Pac-12 that's not enough, and it hurt us," Indendi said. "Oregon can shoot the ball better, so we need to not let them feel like they can't even get the shot off, a hand in their face or something."

Oregon (11-9, 3-5) will be a true test for Oregon State's defensive identity, and managing the hype doesn't make the job any easier.

"We have to be tough and focused throughout this game," Rueck said. "We are really committed to playing well defensively and making them work for their points."

Those players that were a part of OSU's come-from-behind win last year understand the importance of the week's mental preparation.

"Keeping our composure and executing our game plan in the Civil War is huge," said sophomore guard Alyssa Martin. "It is the most exciting game of the year, it can either feel the best or hurt the worst, there's so much emotion."

This will be the first Civil War game for seven of Oregon State's 13 players, but those familiar with the atmosphere expect the emotion to grab hold of everybody involved.

"I don't know how anyone can not get up for this game, you have no choice," Indendi said. "It's anybody's night and we will bleed orange and come to play no matter what."

As sophomore guard Jenna Dixon put it, "I remember last year it was an incredible feeling. It's the greatest game we've ever played."

Jacob Shannon, sports writer

sports@dailybarometer.com