EUGENE, Ore. – The Oregon State men's basketball team opened their season with a win on Saturday night, knocking off Northwest Christian University, 74-52. NAIA rules permit the game to be an exhibition for the Beacons even though OSU counts it towards their regular season record.
 
The Beacons held their own in the first half and trailed just 33-27 after the first 20 minutes as they shot 37.5% from the field. The Beavers were shooting 40% at the break but were just 2-for-13 from three-point range.
 
NCU found themselves in foul trouble against the bigger and stronger NCAA Division I school and it began to hurt in the second half as the Beavers started to find their shooting range inside and outside the arch. Overall, OSU hit 15-for-26 in the period including a 4-for-7 effort on treys.
 
The Beacons also had the better night at the charity stripe, shooting 76.5% on their free-throws. The Beavers were just 14-for-30 as a team. The teams were also even on rebounds at 37 apiece.
 
Northwest Christian (4-0) was led by Omar Richards, scoring 15 points as he hit a pair of triples. Jay Mayernik (pictured) came off the bench to score nine points, shooting 4-for-7 from the field. The junior also led all players with nine rebounds and posted a team-best three assists.
 
Oregon State (1-0) had four players in double-figures led by Gary Payton II with 16, adding six assists, two blocks and three steals. Tres Tinkle came off the bench to score 14, Drew Eubanks added 13 and Stephen Thompson Jr. scored 12, shooting 4-for-7 from three-point range.
 
NCU hits the road for Northern California this week, beginning with a 7:30 clash at Simpson University on Monday night.