Corvallis, OR – The veteran Oregon State starting lineup was impressive in their 101-77 victory over Missouri State. Both teams played a competitive game, especially in the first half, however the Beavers aggressive defense, and 62.5 percent 3-point shooting broke the game wide open. OSU set a new single game season record with 16 made 3-pointers, and are off to one of their best starts since the 1980-81 season.
The Beavers had three players who reached double figures in scoring by halftime, and all three went on to have big games. 6’4” senior guard Stephen Thompson Jr., scored 25 points (10-of-14 FG, 5-of-9 3PT) and provided solid leadership. He made his first five three point attempts. Thompson Jr., a solid three point shooter once his feet are set, displayed good movement without the basketball to get open, and created space for shooting with good use of the screens. Defensively he competed on defense fighting around the screens physically.
His brother, 6’5” sophomore guard Ethan Thompson had nearly a perfect game, scoring 22 points (8-of-9 FG, 5-of-5 3PT, 1-1FT) with nine rebounds, five assists, three steals, and two blocks. He played solid on both ends of the floor, challenging opposing guards and has improved his of catch & shoot rhythm with good form, release, trajectory, and bounce. He’s a very savvy defender with good length and hand speed in the passing lane. 6’8” Junior forward Tres Tinkle played a complete game as well with 24 points (10-of-17 FG), six rebounds, five assists and two steals. He’s improved his offense this year with a nice hesitation move off the dribble, and footwork. The talented wing is a complete player, has a nice upside, and will continue to improve with ball handling development and strength.
The Beavers were very tough on defense today with seven blocked shots, The defensive anchor was 7’0” transfer junior center Kylor Kelley who had four of the blocks to go along with four rebounds and two assists in twenty six minutes of play. Kelley’s presence was felt all evening as he affected several shots as well as causing Missouri State to pass out of the post. Bench play in the latter part of the season will be a key for the OSU’s success.
Missouri State’s 6’4” senior guard Jarred Dixon displayed toughness, grittiness, and competitive fire all game as he battled the OSU guards to finish the game scoring a career-high 31 points (12-of-17 FG, 6-of-9 3PT). Dixon is a very speedy and explosive athletic guard with nice leaping ability. He hustles and plays hard on both ends of the floor. The right handed shooting guard has nice elevation on his shots with nice form and follow through. He has range, and can score from all spots on the floor. The Bears 6’8” junior forward Tulio Da Silva, a South Florida transfer, is a very tough minded physically gifted player who runs the floor well. He’s very athletic with explosive leaping ability and is very agile for his size. He’s primarily a slasher who has a feel for scoring and finished the game with 21 points (8-of-15 FG, 2-of-4 3PT, 3-4 FT) to go along with seven rebounds, four assists and one block. Da Silva can finish with either hand in the paint, and complete very athletic reverse lay-ins and has the potential and tools to be a “Double-Double” player.
Next up for Oregon State (6-1) is a trip to face the Saint Louis Billikens (also 6-1) next Sunday. Missouri State (3-5) hosts Western Kentucky (4-3) on Wednesday.
This article was written by Lorenzo Leaks, a correspondent and scout for NetScouts Basketball. You can follow us on Facebook, or on twitter. We are looking for those interested in our basketball scout apprenticeship program. For information contact us and forward your resume.
