Oregon State
Utah
Beavers Coast From Start To Finish In 77-67 Win Over Utah
March 01, 2012 | Men's Basketball
March 1, 2012
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CORVALLIS, Ore. - Jared Cunningham led four players in double figures with 17 points as Oregon State (16-13, 6-11 Pac-12) defeated Utah (6-23, 3-14) 77-67 in a game that wasn't as close as the final score indicated. The Beavers led wire-to-wire to end a five-game skid.
The Beavers broke out their Nike turquoise uniforms for the game, a special initiative the team started last season to create awareness for Nike N7, which is Nike's commitment to bring sport and all its benefits to Native American and Aboriginal communities in North America through the N7 Fund, Nike N7 collection and Nike N7 program for Native communities across the U.S. and Canada.
OSU held Utah to just 15 points, a season low for an opponent, in the first half and took a 36-15 lead into the locker room. The Beaver defense was stifling in the first 20 minutes as Utah made just 5 of 23 field goal attempts and had 10 turnovers.
"We showed a lot of maturity tonight by not letting Utah think they could stay in the game," Oregon State head coach Craig Robinson said. "We got back to OSU basketball tonight on both ends of the court; it was a great all-around game and much needed victory for us."
OSU led by as many 31 points twice, the last time 56-25 at the 13-minute mark. Utah clawed back to make the score respectable thanks to an 18-for-26 shooting performance in the second half.
"We've had some bad luck, close losses and it would be very easy for this team to feel sorry for themselves, but that's not the case with these guys," Robinson added. "This team is an absolute treat to coach; they come to work every day and we are just a couple of plays here and there to be in a totally different situation this season."
Cunningham had just two points at the break, but erupted for 15 in the second half including another spectacular reverse slam dunk.
"Jared showed a little of the old Jared tonight," Robinson said. "He's a very selfless player, sometimes too much so, but tonight he let the game come to him."
Cunningham combined his 17 points with a game-high six assists. Joe Burton and Ahmad Starks scored 13 points each, while Devon Collier added 10, going 3-of-3 from the field and 4-of-7 from the line. Eric Moreland was again a force with 13 boards, his eighth double-figure rebound game of the year, and three blocked shots to go along with nine points.
Dijon Farr led Utah with 16 points.
Oregon State wraps up the 2011-12 regular season this Saturday at 1 p.m. against the Colorado Buffaloes in a nationally-televised game on FSN/Root Sports NW. The game will mark the final regular season contest for OSU's only senior Kevin McShane. Tickets are available at osubeavers.com or during business hours at 1-800-GO-BEAVS or in person at the Gill Coliseum ticket office.
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