ASU Basketball: 2019 Pac-12 Week 11 Power Rankings
By Trevor Booth
3. Oregon State Beavers (11-4, 3-0 Pac-12) LW: 4
Once viewed as the inferior in its own state, Oregon State has emerged as a darkhorse favorite to win the Pac-12.
Last week, the Beavers improved to 3-0 in league play for the first time since 1993, defeating USC and UCLA in impressive home performances. Senior guard Stephen Thompson Jr. received conference Player of the Week honors, averaging 25.5 points, eight rebounds and 5.5 assists.
Thompson had 34 points on Thursday night, and each was required to survive the Trojans. Without Tres Tinkle, the senior guard went toe-to-toe with USC’s Bennie Boatwright, who finished with half (37) of USC’s 74 points.
After a layup from his brother, Ethan Thompson, to force overtime, Stephen took over in the clutch. He scored eight of the team’s final 13 points, leading the team’s most resilient win of the season, 79-74.
Tinkle returned Saturday against the Bruins, and the momentum ensued. The Beavers handed UCLA its first loss of the Pac-12 season, as five players scored in double-figures.
While Oregon State excelled in transition (seven steals), team play (21 assists) and defense (UCLA shot 24-of-63), the team found a breakout weapon in Kylor Kelley. The junior finished with 14 points on 6-of-6 shooting, allowing Tinkle and the Thompson brothers to find open shots.
In previous years, the Beavers have surprised, but never had the depth to compete for a conference title. Now, they’ve complemented their stars, and it may have helped them assemble the team necessary to win.
Oregon State will face the Arizona schools this week in a further attempt to prove their legitimacy. They’ll face the Sun Devils tomorrow before facing the Pac-12-leading Wildcats on Saturday.
– Booth