Beavers lose to UConn in Final Four: Game Rewind

Karl Maasdam Oregon State Athletics
Ruth Hamblin

No. 1 UConn 80, No. 2 Oregon State 51

Key Moment:

After trimming a previously 16-point deficit to just nine to end the first quarter, the Beavers struggled in the second period, being outscored by the Huskies 21-9, finding themselves trailing 47-26 at the half. While surrendering 20 field goals in the first half on the defensive side of the ball, OSU was sloppy on the other end, committing 13 turnovers, allowing UConn to score 15 points off of those mistakes. The Beavers would attempt to make a comeback for the remainder of the game, but UConn was able to ride the lead until the final buzzer sounded, and OSU’s season came to an end.

Stats of the Night: 

OSU had 18 turnovers, giving up 21 points in due to those mistakes. UConn was able to play tremendously on the defensive side of the ball, forcing the Beavers into some sloppy passes that were found in the hands of the Huskies.

OSU shot 33 percent compared to UConn’s 57 percent. The Huskies (34) almost doubled-up the Beavers (18) in field goals, and made nine three-pointers. UConn controlled all aspects of the game, showing why they were the No. 1 overall seed in this tournament

Top Performers for OSU:

Freshman guard Katie McWilliams scored nine points on 3-for-3 shooting from beyond the arc. She dished out one assist as well.

Junior guard Sydney Wiese finished with 13 points on 3-for-8 shooting and 6-for-6 from the free throw line. She gave the Beavers a chance at a comeback, when she was fouled on a three-pointer with .4 seconds left in the first quarter, in which she drained three free throws to cut the deficit to just nine points. 

Top Performers for UConn: 

Forward Morgan Tuck shot 8-for-13 for 21 points on the night. Senior center Hamblin, who had the defensive nod on Tuck for much of the game, struggled to defend her. She jump started the game for UConn, starting 4-for-6 with 10 points, extending the lead to double digits early.

Forward and reigning AP Player of the Year Breanna Stewart scored 16 points and ripped down eight rebounds. She had two fouls early, but went on to hurt the Beavers with her versatile play, making both inside and outside shots.

Up Next:

UConn will face No. 4 Syracuse in the NCAA National Championship at 8:30 p.m. Eastern time. Stay posted for content on the upcoming championship game.

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