Oscar Cluff powers Washington State past Oregon State

Field Level Media|published: Fri 5th January, 01:24 2024

Dec 31, 2023; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Washington State Cougars head coach Kyle Smith during the second half against the Colorado Buffaloes at the CU Events Center. credits: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Oscar Cluff scored a career-high 20 points and matched his career best with eight rebounds to help Washington State notch a 65-58 victory over Oregon State on Thursday night in Pac-12 play at Pullman, Wash.

Andrej Jakimovski made four 3-pointers while contributing 15 points and seven rebounds for the Cougars (10-4, 1-2), who improved to 8-0 at home. Myles Rice added 12 points and Jaylen Wells had 11 for Washington State.

Jordan Pope scored 20 points and KC Ibekwe added 12 for the Beavers (9-5, 1-2), who had just five assists on 22 made baskets.

Oregon State's Dexter Akanno (foot soreness) missed the contest. He is the Beavers' second-leading scorer at 13.1 points per game.

The Cougars shot 47.5 percent from the field, including 5 of 14 from 3-point range.

Oregon State made just 36.1 percent of its shots and was 4-of-13 from behind the arc.

Washington State was 22-of-27 from the free-throw line, while the Beavers were 10-of-11.

Christian Wright connected on a 3-pointer to bring the Beavers within 60-56 with 1:08 left.

But Wells converted a three-point play and Jakimovski added two free throws to seal it for the Cougars, who have beaten Oregon State four straight times and six of the last seven.

Washington State didn't lead over the first 24 minutes of the contest. Cluff scored back-to-back baskets, the second with 15:58 left in the game, to give the Cougars their first lead at 30-28.

Washington State led by three before Jakimovski connected on two 3-pointers in a span of 39 seconds to give the Cougars a 46-37 lead with 10:39 left.

A short time later, Wells was fouled while shooting a 3-pointer and made all three shots to give Washington State a 49-38 advantage with 9:12 remaining.

Ibekwe then responded with a personal 9-0 run to cut the Beavers' deficit to 49-47 with 5:20 left.

Wells later knocked down a trey to give the Cougars a 60-53 advantage with 1:34 remaining.

Pope scored nine first-half points as Oregon State led 24-21 at the break. Cluff had nine in the half for the Cougars.

Both teams shot poorly over the first 20 minutes. The Beavers shot 31.3 percent (10 of 32) while Washington State made just 25 percent (5 of 20).

Oregon State started fast and led 16-6 after Wright buried a 3-pointer with 12:39 left in the first half.

—Field Level Media