The Oregon State women’s basketball team fought back from a halftime deficit to defeat Jackson State 63-53 on Saturday afternoon at Gill Coliseum.  

Trailing by five heading into the third quarter, Oregon State went on a 19-6 run to take an eight-point lead entering the fourth. While Jackson State was able to cut the Beavers’ lead to five late in the game, Oregon State was able to close the game out on the defensive end.  

“It wasn’t the prettiest game for sure, it was a grind,” said Oregon State head coach Scott Rueck. “Gotta give Jackson State a ton of credit. Well-coached, very disruptive on the defensive end.”  

While Jackson State was able to contain the Beaver bigs in the first half, Oregon State got it going down low in the third quarter.

The 6’9” sophomore center Jelena Mitrovic finished the game with 13 points and nine rebounds, while freshman forward Raegan Beers grabbed 12 boards and put up ten points in a double-double performance.  

“At halftime we [Jelena and I] kind of shared a look, almost like ‘we gotta get inside,’’’ Beers said. “We have to get her going, and I have to finish at the rim. So we kinda just gave each other a look, meaning that we have to turn it on. Jelena did a phenomenal job in the second half.”  

Jackson State junior guard Ti’lan Boler led all scorers with 16 points in Saturday’s contest, and also grabbed four rebounds. Senior forward Angel Jackson added ten points and three assists for the Tigers.  

Freshman guard Martha Pietsch led the Beavers in the scoring category with 14 points and also dished out four assists. 

Raegan Beers and Jelena Mitrovic also scored in double figures, while senior guard Bendu Yeaney had an impressive defensive game with six steals.  

The Beavers now improve to 6-2 on the young season and 6-0 at home in Corvallis.  

Next up, the Beavers will take on the No. 19 ranked Oregon Ducks in Eugene on Sunday, Dec. 11th. 

Being a rivalry matchup against a ranked opponent, Rueck was asked if their approach leading up to the game would change.  

“No. We are what we are, we do what we do. You know it’s the first conference game, that’s the most important thing. I’m thankful for the games we’ve had to this point, and their preparation going into it. Playing a PAC-12 game before Christmas, it’s the first time we’ve done it since I’ve been here, so it’s a little bit unique but it is what it is, and we’re looking forward to it.”