Feb. 10, 2005

Box Score

CORVALLIS, Ore. (AP) - David Lucas had 17 points and 10 rebounds, Nick DeWitz added 15 points, and Oregon State overcame first-half shooting woes to beat Washington State 58-51 on Thursday night.

The Beavers (13-9, 5-6 Pacific-10 Conference) shot 28 percent in the first half, but opened the second half with a 20-3 run.

Thomas Kelati had 17 points to lead the Cougars (10-11, 5-7). Leading scorer Jeff Varem was held to six points on 3-of-9 shooting.

Oregon State trailed 21-19 in a first half where they made just seven field goals. But a quicker pace in the second half favored the Beavers, who like to run. They shot 58 percent after halftime and led by as many as 15 points.

Under second-year coach Dick Bennett, Washington State plays a slow, methodical game that emphasizes defense and use of the shot clock.

The Cougars posted a 63-45 home win over the Beavers last month, and were coming off a stretch that included wins over then-No. 11 Arizona and USC, as well as a two-point overtime loss to UCLA.

Oregon State snapped a three-game losing streak by beating Oregon last Saturday. The Beavers are three wins away from posting their first winning season since 1990.

Kelati hit back-to-back 3-pointers to cut the lead to 42-38, but the Beavers hit their free throws down the stretch. They finished 21-of-29 for the game. J.S. Nash was 9-of-9 from the line and finished with 11 points.

Daven Harmeling had 10 points off the bench for Washington State.