Corvallis, OR – In the first basketball game in the history of the two programs, Princeton and Oregon State squared off from Gill Coliseum with the Beavers looking to end their 3-game losing streak. In a competitive well-played contest Princeton pulled out a close game with a 81-80 win. The game consisted of five ties, six lead changes, and 15 assists for each team.
Princeton’s 6-4 senior guard Ethan Wright was the game high scorer, pouring in 13 of his 24 points (8-14 FG, 6-11 3FG, 2-2 FT) in the second half to lead the Tigers to victory. He also contributed 10 rebounds, and two assists while playing solid on both ends of the floor with his toughness, aggressiveness, and team play.
Princeton started the game with a three-point basket made by 6-7 senior forward Drew Friberg who scored 11 of his 17 points (4-12 FG, 4-10 3FG, 5-6 FT) in the first half as the Tigers shot 43.6 percent on 7-of-16 3s as Princeton took a 41-39 lead into halftime despite Oregon State shooting 61.5 percent from the field, and outscoring the Tigers 22-10 in the paint. Deshawn Davis (9 points) and Dexter Akanno (7) points Led the Beavers at the break. 
In the second half the Tigers began attacking the interior as 6-8 junior forward Tosan Evbuomwan scored 6 of his12 second half points within the first three minutes. Princeton made 13 3-pointers throughout the contest and saw its largest lead at 70-59 with 6:33 remaining as Jaelin Llewellyn scored his 14th point of the game on a three pointer. The Tigers had four players reach double figures. The Beavers would fight back with a valiant effort to close the lead to 78-77 after a Davis lay-in with 21 seconds remaining. Despite shooting 56.4 percent from the field the Beavers were still down four points with six seconds left. Jarod Lucas (13 points) hit a three pointer to bring them within one point (81-80) with 0.5 seconds remaining.
Oregon State’s 6-2 junior standout transfer (Trinity Valley CC) guard Deshawn Davis scored 16 points (7-17 FG, 2-2 FT) in his first start as a Beaver. He also contributed four rebounds, and five assists to only one turnover. Davis is ranked at No. 53 nationally in assist rate. Davis is a very crafty skillful playmaker with a quick explosive first step. Defensively he’s really good in the passing lanes.
Oregon State received solid play from 6-8 senior forward Warith Alatishe who led the team with 10 rebounds while scoring eight points. 6-6 junior guard Tre Williams scored 11 points 4-6 FG, 1-2 3FG, 2-3 FT), and 6-6 freshman forward Glenn Taylor played solid, contributing 9 points (1-1 FG, 1-1 3FG, 6-8 FT), three rebounds, and one assist in 18 minutes. The Beavers second leading scorer senior forward Maurice Calloo (12.5ppg) did not play due to knee tendinitis.
Key Game Stats
Total Rebounds: Princeton 37 – Oregon State 28
Offensive Rebounds: Princeton 13 – Oregon State 3
2nd Chance Points: Princeton 11 – Oregon State 4
Oregon State (1-4) travels to play Wake Forest (4-0) on Nov. 26th at 6:30pm, while Princeton (4-1) also travels on November 24th to play Monmouth (3-1).
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.
