Beavers' Effort Falls Short Against Cardinal in Pac-12 Semifinal

The Oregon State Beavers, ranked 13th, faced off against the 2nd-ranked Stanford Cardinal in a closely contested Pac-12 semifinal. The Beavers ended the game with a score of 57-66, bringing their performance to a close at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. Despite their efforts, they could not overcome the Cardinal's defense and offensive execution.

The Beavers started strong out of the gate with an impressive first quarter, leading with 24 points compared to Stanford's 12. However, as the game progressed, they struggled to maintain this momentum. In subsequent quarters, they scored just 11 points in the second quarter and were limited to only eight points in the third. They attempted a comeback with 14 points in the final quarter but it was not enough to secure victory.

Oregon State's shooting percentages reflected their challenges on offense; they shot only 36 percent from field goals and struggled beyond the arc with a three-point percentage of just 22 percent. However, their free throw accuracy was notable at an impressive rate of 78 percent.

On defense and on boards, Oregon State managed three blocks and matched Stanford's steals at three apiece. They also collected a total of 36 rebounds – eight offensive and twenty-four defensive – showcasing their effort on both ends of the court.

Key players for Oregon State contributed across various aspects of play: assists were distributed effectively among teammates totaling thirteen for the game which showed good ball movement when it counted most. The team also capitalized on turnovers by scoring four points off them despite committing eight turnovers themselves.

In contrast, Stanford demonstrated why they are one of top teams nationally by making critical plays when needed most; they had six blocks which helped them control paint defensively while also scoring twenty-eight points inside themselves offensively – four more than Oregon State managed (24). Their field goal percentage stood at forty-five percent overall including an outstanding forty-seven percent from three-point range which proved decisive over course match-up between these two sides who have been competitive throughout season so far.

As fans look forward to future matchups for Oregon State Beavers basketball team after this semifinal appearance against such formidable opposition like Stanford Cardinal - remember that each game is another opportunity learn grow stronger together as unit moving forward into next season where new challenges await all teams involved within conference play alike.