Corvallis, Oregon saw a dramatic turnaround in Friday’s NCAA women’s basketball tournament game at Gill Coliseum. Oregon State, despite starting slow, rallied to defeat No. 14 seed Eastern Washington 73-51, showcasing the resilience expected of a No. 3 seed.
The Beavers found themselves trailing by eight points late in the first quarter, but quickly seized control with a 27-6 run over a 10-minute stretch in the first half. Their dominance was evident as they led by double digits for the remainder of the game, maintaining the trend of No. 3 seeds remaining undefeated against No. 14 seeds in first-round tournament games since 1994.
Oregon State’s victory, propelling them to face Nebraska in the second round, was bittersweet with standout player Raegan Beers leaving the game due to an ankle injury. Despite this setback, Dominika Paurova and Timea Gardiner contributed significantly to the Beavers’ success, shooting 55% and out-rebounding Eastern Washington by a wide margin.
Under coach Scott Rueck, Oregon State has excelled in first-round NCAA Tournament games, boasting an impressive 8-0 record. The team’s performance drew a substantial crowd at Gill Coliseum, potentially setting a new tournament attendance record.
Eastern Washington, led by Jamie Loera, put up a valiant effort but ultimately fell short against Oregon State. The Beavers’ initial struggle with turnovers in the first quarter quickly dissipated, paving the way for a remarkable comeback highlighted by Beers and Paurova’s stellar performances.
With a commanding lead established early, Oregon State maintained control throughout the game, securing a comfortable victory and advancing to the next round. The team’s display of resilience and skill solidified their status as a formidable contender in the NCAA tournament, with fans eagerly anticipating their upcoming matchups.