Oregon State Upsets North Texas to Maintain Perfect Record

The Oregon State Beavers men’s basketball team improved to a perfect 3-0 on November 12, 2025, after a dramatic victory over the North Texas Mean Green in Corvallis. In a tightly contested match, the Beavers secured their third straight win, overcoming a ten-point deficit in the final five minutes to triumph by a narrow margin.

The game turned in Oregon State’s favor following a pivotal mental misstep by North Texas. The Mean Green attempted to call a timeout after advancing the ball past midcourt, not realizing they had exhausted their timeouts on a previous possession. This error led to a technical foul, allowing Beavers guard Josiah Lake II to step to the free-throw line. Lake II, who was named the West Coast Conference’s Player of the Week, made both shots, tying the game and energizing the home crowd.

The atmosphere in Gill Coliseum became electric as the Oregon State student section rallied behind their team. Following Lake II’s free throws, the fans erupted into chants, creating an intimidating environment for the visiting team. Lake II ultimately finished the game with ten points, alongside three assists and three rebounds, marking his third game in double figures this season.

Despite trailing for much of the match, Oregon State showcased resilience. They shot nearly double their first-half field goal percentage in the second half, improving from 26.1% to 47.8%. This offensive surge included six three-pointers, with guards Dez White and Isaiah Sy contributing significantly to the comeback effort.

The Beavers’ comeback was further bolstered by strong performances from other teammates. Sophomore forward Johan Munch played a crucial role, contributing ten points, six rebounds, and two blocks. He was instrumental in the final minutes, making a critical steal and converting it into a fast-break dunk. His efforts helped narrow the gap and set the stage for Lake II’s decisive free throws.

Beavers head coach Wayne Tinkle expressed pride in his team’s determination. “We weren’t throwing it in the post enough in the first half,” Tinkle remarked. “I was really proud of how unselfish we were with the decision-making in the second half.”

Rebounding was a struggle for Oregon State, as North Texas dominated the boards with 36 rebounds compared to the Beavers’ 24. The Mean Green also outscored Oregon State in the paint, accumulating 30 points inside compared to the Beavers’ 14. Nonetheless, Oregon State’s bench provided a significant lift, contributing a season-high 32 points. Both Keziah Ekissi and Sy scored nine points each off the bench, while freshman Olavi Suutela added another seven.

As the season progresses, Tinkle acknowledges that the team’s rotations are still evolving. “It’s hard because we still don’t know who we are and what we have exactly,” he stated. “If I had to guess, by early- or mid-December, we’d have a good idea of our starting group and first few guys off the bench.”

With the victory, the Beavers remain undefeated as they prepare for their next challenge, demonstrating a capacity for grit and teamwork that bodes well for their season ahead. The excitement around the team is palpable, and fans eagerly anticipate the continued growth of this promising group.