The No. 11 Beavers went head-to-head against the No.10 Trojans on Sunday afternoon, aiming to secure a victory that might propel them into the top 10 rankings. However, their aspirations were dashed as they suffered their first home-court loss of the season.

This highly anticipated rematch left the Beavers striving for redemption, only to find themselves once again defeated by the Trojans, 50-58.

Despite the defeat, Timea Gardiner emerged as the game’s top scorer, delivering an impressive career-high 22-point performance. USC’s star, Juju Watkins, the second-leading scorer in the nation, struggled with shot selection, going 6-32 from the field and finishing the night with 18 points. 

Oregon State’s head coach, Scott Rueck, acknowledged the team’s improved defensive efforts compared to their previous matchup against USC. 

“I think we needed to be better today, and I think we were better today.”  

Rueck also noted the challenge of adjusting offensively in the absence of Raegan Beers but expressed confidence in the team’s ability to adapt and improve as the game progressed.

The absence of Beers was felt by both teams.

“I wish her a speedy recovery. Love her as a fan, hard to play against her as an opponent, so it changes the game plan,” USC’s head coach Lindsay Gottlieb said.

The Beavers (21-4, 10-4) now turn their focus to their upcoming matchup against the Washington State Cougars on Feb. 23, as look to bounce back and regain momentum in their quest for success in conference play.