Pacific's impressive performance on the road was led by Elias Ralph, who dominated the game with 20 points and 11 rebounds, guiding his team to a decisive 81-64 victory over Oregon State at Gill Coliseum. The Tigers' win was a reflection of their strength and depth, as they outscored the Beavers in both halves, taking a 35-32 lead into the break and extending it to 17 points by the final buzzer.
Yaak Yaak was the brightest spot for Oregon State, scoring 13 points and grabbing 5 rebounds, but it wasn't enough to counter the balanced attack of Pacific. The Tigers had three players in double figures, with Kajus Kublickas adding 15 points and Justin Rochelin chipping in 13. Pacific's ability to spread the scoring and control the tempo of the game made it difficult for Oregon State to mount a comeback.
As the game unfolded, it became clear that Pacific was the better team on this night. They shot with confidence and moved the ball effectively, creating scoring opportunities and limiting Oregon State's chances. The Beavers, on the other hand, struggled to find their rhythm, with only Yaak Yaak and Josiah Lake II, who scored 9 points, making significant contributions.
The win for Pacific was a Quadrant 3 victory, which will likely have a positive impact on their tournament resume. With a current net ranking of 110, the Tigers are positioning themselves for a potential postseason berth. For Oregon State, the loss was also a Quadrant 3 game, which may not be as damaging to their resume, but it does highlight the need for the Beavers to perform better against quality opponents. With a record of 10-12 and a net ranking of 211, Oregon State has work to do to become a serious tournament contender.
Elias Ralph's performance was the key factor in Pacific's win, as he consistently made plays on both ends of the court. His double-double was a reflection of his skill and athleticism, and he will be a player to watch as the season progresses. For Pacific, this win is a significant boost to their confidence and momentum, and they want to build on this performance in their upcoming games.
The margin of victory was a clear indication of Pacific's superiority, and they will be pleased with the way they executed their game plan. With this win, Pacific improves to 14-8 on the season, while Oregon State falls to 10-12. As the season enters its critical phase, Pacific's victory over Oregon State will be an important result to consider when evaluating their tournament chances. The Tigers have strengthened their resume with this Q3 win, and they want to continue their push towards a postseason berth.