HOOPS: One of those nights

OREGON STATE IS the darkhorse in the Pac-12 this hoops season. It's a down year, and then some, and the Beavs have shown considerable promise in the early going. None of that was on display against Idaho, however.

Oregon State (6-2) lost 74-60 on their home floor on Friday night. No one wanted to use the sudden death of football d-tackle Fred Thompson on Wednesday as an excuse -- but it helped explain the sluggish play of the Beavs on this night.

OSU couldn't buy a bucket, shooting 33 percent for the game, and never made a serious comeback run in the second half.

Jared Cunningham, Thompson’s close friend, was all out of sorts. He came into the game as the Pac-12’s leading scorer. Against Idaho, he didn't hit a shot all night at 0 for 9, and finished with seven points.

OSU didn't hit a 3-pointer until the second half and finished 3 of 23 from beyond the arc.

Idaho has a better team this year than in recent years, but OSU would have probably lost to just about anyone given their play and heavy hearts.

Joe Burton led the way for the Beavs with 15 points and eight rebounds.

Next up for Oregon State is Illinois-Chicago at home. The guess here is the Beavers come out strong.