Gill Coliseum was filled with fans for a Sunday showcase against the Oregon State Beavers versus the entering 9-5 UCLA Bruins.

“It’s a special day to remember and support and raise awareness for a very important cause,” said by head women’s basketball coach Scott Rueck after Oregon State defeated UCLA 72-58 at home today in the annual Dam Cancer game.

The Beavers were led by freshman guard Talia Von Oelhoffen who scored 21 points and contributed six assists to her stat line as well, along with senior forward Taya Corosdale who chipped in with 18 points and five rebounds.

Gill Coliseum was filled with fans wearing pink to show their support, along with a silent auction that raised over two thousand dollars during the game, and the opportunity for players and community members alike to donate their hair at the end of the game. 

A game that initially showcased UCLA pushing through their adversity being down a couple key players, but foul trouble put the beavers in a similar position. As said by Rueck, “It’s one of those figure it out days.” 

The first half ended with the Beavers in the lead by 10, but the Bruins came into the second half with more momentum. UCLA held Oregon State to free throws until 3 minutes left in the third. 

By the end of the third period, Oregon State came back to life and matched UCLA’s intensity gaining a more comfortable lead of 44-37 going into the fourth quarter. Afterwards Rueck spoke about the improvements he has been seeing throughout the season so far. “Our decision making offensively is getting better, we’re more opportunistic.” 

The Beavers played lights out in the 4th period scoring 28 points. Scott Rueck attributes the success to how the team worked together, “Our decision making, taking care of the basketball. We had that perfect balance of push and take advantage or slow and execute.”

Rueck said that the transition game in the 4th quarter was the most integral part in making those changes from the third period. “I thought our transition was great, we hit some really big shots.” He also credited the defense in getting more opportunities at the end of the game, “we challenged a lot and I thought our rebounding ultimately led to our transition.”

Reflecting on the past week Rueck said, “This week was kind of survival, 4 games in 8 days in conference.” Oregon State is currently 4-2 in conference. In the past week losing to the University of Washington Huskies and the Washington State Cougars on the road, but finishing with two wins at home this weekend versus the University of Southern California Trojans and the UCLA Bruins. 

Next up for the Beavers, they travel to Arizona on Feb. 6 to play the Wildcats in an early 11 a.m. showing.