Oregon State's women's basketball team showed it can deliver an excellent second-half performance to claim a 64-54 victory over the Portland Pilots at Gill Coliseum in Corvallis. A well-fought first half was dominated by Oregon State in the third quarter when it took complete control of the game. Guard Tiara Bolden had her best game ever with 29 points to provide the spark that Oregon State needed to create some separation late in the game.
At halftime, Portland (UOP) held a very slight 27-26 advantage after a great defensive battle for the first two quarters. Spear, the UOP guard/forward, finished the night with 19 points and six rebounds. She was able to keep Portland close enough to potentially steal the first half lead.
In the third quarter, Oregon State quickly turned the tables and established momentum. After a 17-0 scoring run to begin the third quarter, which was a combination of both excellent defensive pressure and great shooting, Oregon State out-scored Portland 24-11 in the quarter to establish a comfortable double-digit lead going into the final quarter.
Even though Portland fought hard to get back into the game in the fourth quarter, they still trailed Oregon State by a 10-point margin late in the fourth quarter. When the Beavers had their last few possessions, they were able to make the necessary baskets to secure the 64-54 victory.
Oregon State shot the ball 41% in the contest and had a 45-36 rebounding advantage. The extra chances the Beavers received off the glass created many of the opportunities that Oregon State capitalized on in the second half. This win helped Oregon State continue to have a strong season as the Beavers now look to build momentum as the final stretch of conference games approaches.