Oregon State basketball falls to Evansville in Paradise Jam, 73-69

Evansville handed Oregon State a disappointing loss in the Paradise Jam opener. The final score ended 73-69 on November 21 in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The Beavers stumbled in this crucial early-season matchup. It was a tight battle from start to finish.

How Evansville Pulled Out the Close Win

The game stayed remarkably competitive throughout. Both teams traded buckets, and momentum shifted repeatedly. At halftime, Evansville held a narrow advantage with 30 points while Oregon State had 28. It was anybody’s game at the break.

The second half proved decisive. Joshua Hughes led the Purple Aces with impressive play. He scored 16 points and grabbed 6 rebounds. Leif Moeller also stepped up big time, adding 14 points. Bryce Quinet chipped in 15 points for the Aces. Evansville’s balanced scoring attack overwhelmed the Beavers down the stretch.

The Purple Aces shot 40% from the field overall. They dominated at the free-throw line, making 28 of 35 attempts for an 80% clip. That discipline proved crucial in crunch time.

Oregon State’s Tough Tournament Start

This loss marks a rough beginning for Oregon State at the tournament. The Beavers came into the game in decent form but couldn’t find their rhythm when it mattered. They trailed for much of the second half.

Holding a team to just 73 points is usually solid defense. Still, the Beavers couldn’t capitalize offensively. They shot 42.9% from the field, which wasn’t terrible but didn’t match Evansville’s efficiency. Oregon State also grabbed just 28.5 rebounds per game on average heading into this contest.

The close margin meant that a few plays either way could’ve changed everything. Still, losing to an Evansville squad that played such disciplined basketball is honestly respectable. The tournament continues for both teams.

Key Statistics and Game Breakdown

Stat	Evansville	Oregon State
Total Points	73	69
Field Goal %	40.0%	42.9%
Three-Point %	27.8%	TBA
Free Throw %	80.0%	TBA
Total Rebounds	34	TBA
Assists	8	TBA

Look, a four-point difference in this tournament setting shows how evenly matched these teams really were. Evansville simply made fewer mistakes and stayed composed when it counted. The Aces forced 12 turnovers while protecting the ball themselves. That’s championship-level discipline right there.

What Comes Next for Both Teams

This loss doesn’t end the tournament for Oregon State, obviously. They’ll get a chance to bounce back with additional games in the Paradise Jam. The format allows teams to stay alive and fight their way through the bracket.

Plus, consider this. Early-season tournaments carry real value for development. Losing on the road in the Virgin Islands teaches lessons that matter. Oregon State won’t make the same mistakes twice.

For Evansville, this victory provides genuine momentum. They proved they can compete against solid Power Conference competition. That confidence going forward means everything.

Can Oregon State Still Salvage the Tournament?

The Beavers face Iona or Akron next, depending on how the bracket shakes out. Either way, they need to respond with better execution. Their defense wasn’t terrible tonight, but offense must improve.

These kinds of tournament experiences teach young rosters invaluable lessons early. Sometimes falling short by four points stings more than blowing someone out. Yet it also motivates teams to come back stronger. Will Oregon State dust themselves off and make a run? That answer will come soon enough.