The Oregon State women’s basketball team’s slump continued Sunday as Washington State took command early and beat the Beavers 67-57 in Pullman, Washington.
OSU (11-16, 3-13) lost its eighth consecutive game, the program’s longest losing streak since 2013. Unless the Beavers win their final two regular-season games and the Pac-12 tournament, they’re assured of their first losing season since 2012-13.
Oregon State had plenty of chances Sunday but couldn’t find a spark to sustain momentum. Washington State’s largest lead was 13 points, but the margin was only four at halftime, and five points with 1:29 remaining.
Freshman forward Timea Gardiner, making her second start this season, led the Beavers with a career-high 17 points. Another freshman, Raegan Beers, posted her 13th double-double of the season with 15 points and 10 rebounds.
The game was won on turnovers. Washington State converted 15 OSU turnovers into 20 points. The Cougars committed just five turnovers.
Bella Murekatete had 19 points and nine rebounds to lead Washington State (18-9, 8-8).
Looking to shake things up, Oregon State started four freshmen in Gardiner, Beers, Lily Hansford and Adlee Blacklock, along with senior guard Bendu Yeaney. Gardiner got off to a good start, as she had 10 points and eight rebounds in the first half. But Washington State didn’t flinch, never looking back after taking the lead at 12-10.
The Cougars outscored OSU 9-2 to during the final four minutes of the first quarter to take a 19-12 lead. A three-pointer by Kyra Gardner with 3:28 left in the half gave WSU a 12-point lead, and then Oregon State made a run. Gardiner capped an 8-0 burst just before halftime as the Beavers trimmed the deficit to 31-27.
Oregon State got as close as three points early in the third quarter, but WSU slowly began to rebuild its advantage. The Cougars led by as many as 11 points before settling for a 53-45 lead heading to the fourth.
The Beavers’ defense handcuffed WSU during the final seven minutes, but it wasn’t enough. The Cougars, leading 60-47, made only one field goal during the final 7:48. The Beavers got as close as 60-55 on a layup by Beers with 1:29 remaining. But five free throws and a layup by Charlisse Walker-Leger sealed the WSU win.
Washington State swept the regular-season series and won its fifth consecutive game over Oregon State.
The Beavers finish the regular season with a two-game home series starting at 7 p.m. Thursday against Arizona State.
— Nick Daschel | ndaschel@oregonian.com | @nickdaschel
