Beavs lead late but fall to No. 21 Arizona

OREGON STATE looked to be on the verge of an upset Thursday night against the No. 21 team in the land, up seven and with 13 minutes remaining on the clock. But the Beavs are still a team that is learning to win, and a tight contest against Arizona turned into a 76-63 defeat in the Beavers' league opener.

OSU freshman Omari Johnson led the Beavs with 19 points, a career high for the forward, along with a team-high nine rebounds.

After leading at the half by six, Oregon State coach Jay John watched his team take a 42-35 with 13 minutes remaining before Arizona turned the tables in Tucson.

"I was pleased with the effort tonight," John said. "We are gradually building chemistry on this young team. I thought we came out early and took it to them. We just weren't able to close tonight."

Oregon State played without starting F/C C.J. Giles, who sat out after being late to practices.

"We could have used C.J. tonight," John said, "but when you show up late for two practices it is a pretty easy call."

A decisive 12-3 run put the Wildcats ahead 59-51 and Oregon State was never able to get the deficit under five points the rest of the way.

The Beavs next face Arizona State in Tempe on Saturday. The tip is scheduled for 1 pm PT and will be carried live by FSN.

NOTABLE NOTE:
Oregon State hasn't won at Arizona since 1983.