The Time: 7 p.m. PST
The Place: Gill Coliseum in Corvallis, Ore.
The Coverage: No TV. OSUBeavers.com is webcasting the game for a fee. Local radio stations here. Audio streamed online for a fee here.
KenPom says: No. 125 OSU 63, No 111 WSU 60 (62 possessions, 62% confidence)
via wsucougars.com
Keys to a Cougar Victory
The Beavs are a good defensive team (47th nationally if defensive efficiency). However, they are at their best when they are playing the trapping 1-3-1 and forcing turnovers. Last time out, Reggie Moore was too quick to be trapped and he forced the Oregon State back into a standard 2-3 zone. The Beavers are not nearly as good in their 2-3. Let's hope Reggie, Xavier Thames, and Marcus Capers can push OSU out of the 1-3-1 again. Sorry Klay, we really don't want you handling the ball in this one.
As good as Oregon State is on defense, they are equally bad on offense (220th nationally in offensive efficiency). They have exactly one above average offensive player (in terms of ORtg), Seth Tarver. The Beavs will give the ball away, a lot. They are 321st in turnover percentage. The Cougs need to take advantage of the turnovers to create transition opportunities.
This is a great opportunity for WSU to pick up a road win and beat one of the other teams trying to avoid that 8-9 game at the Pac-10 tourney. Let's hope the Cougs get it done tonight!