Robinson: It will be a process

WHEN OREGON STATE rebounds and stays in their offense, as they were in the opening minutes against Washington, they match up well, as evidenced by the 17-10 lead they forged on Saturday in the opening minutes. But when they get away from playing team and transition defense, bad things happen and for too much of the 85-59 loss, the Beavs fell into old habits.

The Beavs hit a three-ball to cut the lead to four to start the second half but the Huskies responded by scoring on 12 straight possessions, building an insurmountable 60-42 lead with 13:11 left in the game.

No one expected Oregon State (6-10, 1-5) to compete for the league title this season but the upset win over USC gave hope to the Beaver Faithful that OSU might be much further along than they are in the first year of the Craig Robinson era.

The reality is that it will be a process. It will be an arduous one at times. And it will be measured in years, not weeks.

“It’s disappointing, but I have to follow my own advice -- I’ve been telling the guys all season that this is a process, and it’s not a straight sloping curve up. It’s going to take some ups and downs … and today was one of those days where the market was down," said Robinson.

The Beavers can, however, lessen the blows this season by staying focused and playing their brand of defense, something they didn't do for much of the game against Washington -- OSU allowed the Huskies 10 offensive rebounds in the first half alone. Robinson also lamented the Beavs' body language in the second half.

“We had a bit of a regression from a toughness quotient,” said Robinson.

Seth Tarver was 6-of-9 from the field, scoring a season high 16 points while Lathen Wallace chipped in 13.

The Beavs next play Cal, one of three teams tied for the Pac-10 lead, on Thursday in Berkeley.

NOTABLE NOTE:
Robinson leaves for the nation's capital today to participate in the inauguration of his brother in law, Barack Obama. Robinson plans on rejoining the Beavs on Wednesday in Berkeley.