There are levels to the game of basketball, and the Oregon State University Women’s basketball team displayed what could be described as nearly perfect execution in every phase of the game.
“I think we have seen it all now, there is not much more to see at this point of our season. Now it is about finding a way with that level of standard and level of excellence no matter what they are throwing at us,” said Head Coach Scott Rueck postgame.
The Beavers showed out for four quarters in Gill Coliseum, Sunday, on their way to a 91-66 win against #15 Utah Utes.
The Beavers shot 69% from the floor and 65% from the 3-point line against the Utes, with an effective field goal percentage of at least 100% in the first and third quarters. Sunday’s effort was the type of elite offensive basketball that team’s dream about.
Freshman point guard Donovan Hunter spearheaded the Beaver team on both sides of the ball as floor general, ending the day with 10 assists and a career high 17 points with an additional 2 blocks and 2 steals.
“(Hunter) says this a lot, but it’s not that deep, (it is about) having fun with it… It is really fun to be out there with your best friends, and when push comes to shove and we really need to come together we fully trust in each other,” said Beaver’s Timea Gardiner reflecting on how the team approached its second top 25 matchup in three days.
Beaver’s Reagan Beers led the team in scoring for the 13th time this season with 20 points shooting a perfect 8/8 from the floor.
“(Beers and Hunter) were both elite in their execution,” said Rueck. “I asked the team, ‘how good could we be?’ It’s one thing to have talent. It’s another to play with that edge and that desire and that tenacity. Where that hunger comes out of you, where you get whatever level is necessary.”
With the win against Utah, OSU is now in the second half of their 2024 PAC-12 campaign.
Currently 3rd in the PAC-12 standings, the Beavers are well on their way to make another postseason appearance. However, they will have to face five teams currently ranked in the top 25 nationally before all is said and done.
“I think people are looking for proof, everyone knows how good Colorado is, everyone knows how good Utah is…I think today sent a message, this team deserves respect. We proved that today. Not just proof, proof in style, really both nights. I think it was absolutely a statement weekend for us,” said Rueck.
The Beaver’s next opportunity to prove what they are made of will be against the University of Oregon Ducks in the last PAC-12 matchup between the rivals on Feb. 4.
