65 Teams in 65 Days: No. 37 Oregon State

Location: Corvallis, OR
Nickname: Beavers
Conference: Pac-10
Last Year’s Record: 18-18

Oregon State Coach Craig Robinson

 

Why They’ll Make It

After winning the College Basketball Invitational championship last season, the Beavers have much to be excited about. With 10 of their top 11 players returning, the Beavers look ready to challenge for their first Big Dance berth in 20 years.

Calvin Haynes and Roeland Schaftenaar are the leaders of a team that’s trying to turn the bottom program in the Pac-10 around. Head coach Craig Robinson has paid huge dividends in Corvallis in just one season. With the experience of a CBI title run and one of the best recruiting classes in school history, he looks to have the Beavers on the verge of a NCAA tournament berth.

 

Why They Won’t Make It

The Beavers had difficulty scoring last season. They scored under 61 points per game last season, which was good enough for ninth place in the Pac-10 in scoring offense. No one scored over 13 points per game last season and only two players averaged double figures for them. If no one steps up to take the scoring load, the Beavers will have to sit through year 20 of no trips to the NCAA tournament.