Jordan Pope's clutch 3-pointer at the buzzer secured a stunning 83-80 upset victory for the Oregon State Beavers over the ninth-ranked Arizona Wildcats on Thursday night. The exhilarating finish at Gill Coliseum sent the home crowd into a frenzy as they stormed the court to celebrate the memorable win.
Pope's heroics included a career-high 31 points, with four crucial 3-pointers in the second half. The game-winner came from a 22-foot shot on the left wing, released just in the nick of time over the outstretched arm of Arizona's KJ Lewis. Reflecting on his game-winning shot, Pope expressed his joy, calling it the biggest shot of his career. 'I saw daylight, and I took the shot,' Pope said. 'It feels great. I've put in a lot of work my whole life.'
Throughout the game, Pope showcased his shooting prowess, connecting on 9 of 15 field goal attempts, including an impressive 5 of 8 from beyond the arc. His scoring outburst proved instrumental in the Beavers' victory.
Arizona put up a fight until the very end, with Pelle Larson sinking two free throws to tie the game at 80 with just 11.2 seconds remaining. However, Oregon State, instead of calling a timeout, entrusted Pope to deliver the decisive blow. Arizona coach Tommy Lloyd commended the defensive effort on Oregon State's final possession, but acknowledged that Pope 'hit an incredible shot.' Despite their disappointment, Lloyd expressed his desire for overtime to see if his team could overcome the Beavers, but the opportunity eluded them.
The win snapped a five-game losing streak for the Beavers and ended their seven-game skid against Arizona. It also showcased their resilience and determination against a formidable opponent. With this victory, Oregon State improved to 10-9 overall and 2-6 in Pac-12 play.
Tyler Bilodeau provided vital support for the Beavers with 22 points of his own. The team's performance was a testament to their collective effort and a tremendous homecoming for them at Gill Coliseum. Oregon State coach Wayne Tinkle emphasized the importance of fighting back on their home court, recognizing the talent of their opponents.
Caleb Love led the way for Arizona with 23 points, while Keshad Johnson and Pelle Larson contributed 18 and 17 points, respectively. Despite their offensive contributions, the Wildcats struggled from beyond the arc, converting only 3 of 14 attempts, compared to Oregon State's impressive 12 of 20 shooting from 3-point range.
The Beavers' comeback was remarkable, as they overcame a 12-point deficit in the first half to outscore Arizona in a thrilling second-half surge. An 11-0 run was capped off by Bilodeau's 3-pointer, giving Oregon State a 77-68 lead with just 2:27 remaining. Arizona fought back, with Love hitting a four-point play to keep the Wildcats within striking distance, but it wasn't enough to steal the victory from the resilient Beavers.
Looking ahead, Arizona's struggles in Pac-12 road games continue, dropping their record to 1-3. Their next challenge looms large as they face first-place Oregon on Sunday. Meanwhile, Oregon State will aim to build on their momentum when they host Arizona State on the same day.
The Beavers' triumph over the ninth-ranked Wildcats should provide them with a significant confidence boost as they look to turn their season around. The win serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of college basketball and the joy that can come from an underdog's triumph.
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