WSU-OSU: Game Preview

Thursday evening, the Washington State Cougars (14-1) will play host to the Oregon State Beavers (6-10). It will be the first conference home game for the Cougs this season, who are coming off their first loss of the year. WSU dropped down in the national rankings to #8 in the polls. UCLA took over the Cougs former spot at #4 after their victory over WSU.

VS

Site: Friel Court, Pullman, WA

Tipoff: Thursday 7pm

Television: None

Online: None

So what should Coach Tony Bennett and the Cougs expect when they take the court Thursday? The Beavers will charge onto Friel Court hungry for their first conference win. OSU men’s basketball has turned into the PAC-10 equivalent to Rodney Dangerfield. That’s a role the Cougs should understand because that’s where they were just two years ago. Even last season, WSU entered their schedule being tabbed as a “scrappy” bunch of “nice” kids. That was a tag they were still bearing at PAC-10 tournament time. Oh what a difference a year can make. Point here is that the Beavers have some talented players and a very good coach in Jay John who is entering his fifth campaign as the Oregon State head man. Just about the time experts, pundits and fans place this game in the win column it’s quite possible that OSU earn their first conference win. Let’s face facts. They are too good to lose every game, so beware of what could happen Thursday.

Oregon State is led by Seth Tarver and Marcel Jones on offense, scoring 13 and 12 points per game respectively. Tarver is the only Beaver who has started every game this year and is averaging 33 minutes of playing time. He’s also the Beavs best three-point artist, hitting 39% of his attempts. His brother Josh is averaging almost 8 points at the other guard slot for OSU. UCLA fans might remember their older brother Shon who played for the Bruins in the early 90’s. Jones is a native Southern Californian who might be recognized by some from his film and television credits which include roles in: Big Momma’s House; Beautiful; The Princess Diaries; Even Stevens; Smart Guy and One on One. This is his final year of eligibility and is intent on helping younger Beavers learn how to win in the PAC-10.

Though Oregon State has lost their first four PAC-10 games, they put a scare into #21 Arizona down in Tucson and were in the game against Cal last weekend right down the stretch. So what might happen Thursday night in Pullman? Will the Cougs suddenly become offensively minded after their stunning comeback in the second half against UCLA with a barrage of three-pointers? Will WSU begin another run of 14 straight victories? Will Tony Bennett wear a tie? Will Caleb Forrest run faster and jump higher since shedding his flowing locks? We should know the answers to all these questions and more by 9:30pm Thursday night.

Prediction: WSU 75 - OSU 55

GO COUGS!!!