The Oregon State Beavers lost to the Santa Clara Broncos on Sunday afternoon, falling 64-102 at Gill Coliseum. The game marks the conference opener for both teams in the 2025-2026 season.
“They did everything they wanted,” Head Coach Wayne Tinkle said in the post-game press conference.
The Broncos took control of the contest almost immediately, scoring the game’s first basket and never surrendering the lead. After the Beavers briefly tied the contest at 2–2 in the opening minute, the Broncos responded with a three-pointer from Jak Ensinger and began to separate.
By the first media timeout, Santa Clara had forced multiple turnovers and converted them into points, and maintained their aggression throughout the contest.
The Broncos used aggressive defensive play to disrupt Oregon State’s rhythm, capitalizing on 16 Beaver turnovers in the game, five of which came in the opening 20 minutes. Santa Clara cashed in those turnovers for more than 20 points, building a lead that ballooned to 53–20 by halftime.
The Broncos shot 63.4% from the field in the first half and knocked down eight three-pointers to stretch the floor, while Oregon State struggled to find consistency offensively, shooting four of 13 from the three-point line in the opening period.
“They were efficient and took advantage of all of our breakdowns defensively…we have to do better,” Tinkle said in the post-game press conference.
Elijah Mahi helped to power Santa Clara’s first-half scoring runs, making baskets from all three levels and leading the Broncos with 23 points, six rebounds, and two assists for the afternoon. Ensinger added 13 points and a team-high eight rebounds, helping the Broncos win in the paint.
Allen Graves and Bukky Oboye also provided efficient contributions, combining for 22 points, nine rebounds, and two assists.
Oregon State attempted to tighten up its defense in the second half, but the deficit proved too large to overcome. Josiah Lake II led the Beavers with 19 points and five assists, while Dez White added 14 points, connecting on four three-pointers, and Keziah Ekissi chipped in six off the bench.
Despite improved shooting statistics, Oregon State was unable to string together a sustained run in the second half. Santa Clara responded to Oregon State’s transition runs with efficient half-court execution and ferocity in the paint.
The Broncos finished the game shooting 55.6% from beyond the arc on 15 of 27 shooting and held a decisive advantage in assists (15–9) and rebounds (24–16).
The loss drops Oregon State to 7-7, including 0-1 in WCC play, while Santa Clara improved its 10-4, including 1-0 in WCC play. The Beavers will look to build on their second-half adjustments as they continue through the nonconference slate.
Oregon State returns to action against the University of San Francisco Warriors on Tuesday, back in Gill Coliseum, with tipoff at 7 pm.