Warith Alatishe had 21 points and eight rebounds to lead Oregon State to a 73-64 win over Portland State on Tuesday night at Corvallis, Ore., in the season opener for both teams.
Jarod Lucas added 14 of his 16 points in the second half and Maurice Calloo finished with 11 of his 16 points after halftime to lead the Beavers’ surge after they trailed 32-28 at the break.
Oregon State, which advanced to the Elite Eight last season, also overcame an 11-point deficit in the second half.
Portland State, in its first season with Jase Coburn as head coach, was led by Khalil Thomas’ 16 points. James Jean-Marie, a Hawaii transfer, finished with 14 points and 10 rebounds, and Marlon Ruffin scored 11 points.
Portland State went on a 10-1 run to take a 42-31 lead with 15:03 remaining.
Ruffin had a three-point play, Thomas a 3-pointer and Jean-Marie converted two layups in the stretch.
Oregon State stormed back with a 16-2 run to take a 50-47 lead with 9:13 remaining.
Lucas had two 3-pointers and Tre’ Williams two layups in transition to fuel that pivotal run.
The Beavers maintained the lead, which grew to 66-59 with 3:03 left on a 3-pointer by Calloo.
A Thomas 3-pointer cut the lead to 66-62 with 2:42 remaining, but Lucas answered with two free throws on Oregon State’s next possession.
The Vikings, who shot 33.3 percent from the field in the second half, missed their last five shots from the field.
Oregon State outrebounded Portland State 45-38 with Calloo contributing eight rebounds and Lucas and Gianni Hunt adding six rebounds apiece.
The Beavers’ defense tallied 11 steals, three from Lucas, contributing to Portland State’s 17 turnovers in the game.
Oregon State outscored the Vikings 17-7 in points off turnovers. Portland State also had only seven assists in the game.
Ahmad Rand’s three blocked shots led Oregon State’s effort of seven in the game.
–Field Level Media
