Corvallis, OR – Oregon State beat Arkansas-Pine Bluff 85-58 in a game that the Beavers led for 37:51 minutes. It was probably their most consistent game of the year as a team although Pine Bluff has now lost 16 consecutive games. The Beavers didn’t pull away from the Golden Lions until under 10-minutes remaining in the second half when the score was 59-49.
Oregon State received big games from several players. The tone of the game started early on with the play from their starting guards. They had a combined 14 assists on the evening to go along with outstanding play and effort on the defensive end of the floor. 6-4 junior guard Stephen Thompson Jr. (12 points, eight assists, two steals) was solid all evening while his brother 6-5 freshman guard Ethan Thompson (14 points, seven rebounds, six assists) competed with very tough defensive assignments all evening. Other notable Beaver players making a significant input on the game were 6-10 junior forward Drew Eubanks (19 points, five rebounds) and 6-8 junior forward Tres Tinkle (19-points, four rebounds).
6-6 freshman forward Alfred Hollins played the best game of young collegiate career. In 20 minutes of play, he contributed 13 points (4-4 FG) and three rebounds. It was Hollins‘ effort, energy, hustle plays and enthusiasm on defense that helped the Beavers expand their lead. Hollins is a very athletic guard/forward who runs the floor well to compliment his lengthy build. He has solid lateral footwork with very quick hands. He has a very solid shooting touch with a smooth rotation inside the 3-point arc.
There was one really bright spot light for Arkansas-Pine Bluff, 6-8 senior forward Travon Harper, who contributed a double-double in just 28 minutes of play. Harper entered the game shooting 52 percent on field goals this season. The very athletic Harper netted 20 points (8-9 FG, 4-4FT) and added ten rebounds and a block for the Golden Lions.
This article was written by Lorenzo Leaks, a correspondent and scout for NetScouts Basketball. You can follow us on Facebook, or on twitter.
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