Coming off a much-needed three-game win streak, the Cougs head to Corvallis looking to move within one game of .500 and sweep the season series against Pac-2 rival Oregon State.
Oregon State worked its way back to .500 with a two-point overtime win at San Diego after escaping with a three-point win days earlier at Loyola Marymount.
Oregon State (12–12 Overall | 5–6 Conference)
PPG: 70.5 (#310 nationally) | Points Allowed: 74.5 (#205 nationally) | Rebounds per Game: 31.5 (#338 nationally) | Turnovers per Game: 12.3 (#232 nationally)
Previous Matchup: WSU 81 – OSU 67
Best Win: @ ASU (78–75)
Worst Loss: vs. Evansville (73–69)
It has been a difficult year for the Beavers in a season that, in many ways, has mirrored WSU’s, and it’s only fitting that both teams sit right next to each other in the middle of the WCC standings. Losses to 5–18 Evansville at home, a double-digit road loss to 8–14 Oregon, and three 30-plus-point conference defeats have made things feel even bleaker in Corvallis than in Pullman. With upcoming games vs. Gonzaga, @ San Francisco, @ Seattle U, and @ Santa Clara still ahead, this is a critical game for the Beavers if they hope to finish the season above .500.
What to Watch For
WSU’s Rebounding Advantage
In the first matchup in Pullman, the Cougs jumped out to a 14-point first-half lead thanks to strong shooting and dominance on the glass, out-rebounding the Beavers 38–25 and generating eight extra shot attempts. The rest of the stats were fairly even; if WSU can control the boards again, it will be tough for Oregon State to win.
Turnover Margin
The most important stat in almost every David Riley–coached game. In Pullman, WSU committed 12 turnovers compared to OSU’s 10. To overcome the rebounding disadvantage, the Beavers will need to force more giveaways.
Key Player
Rihard Vavers
Vavers has been on an absolute tear since the calendar flipped to 2026, averaging 15.3 points on shooting splits of 55% FG | 50% from three | 90% FT over seven games. His consistency and elite shooting have been a major catalyst behind the Cougs scoring 75+ points in seven of their last nine games, and he’ll remain vital to WSU’s success down the stretch.
Final Thoughts / Prediction
WSU 82, OSU 75
Beating a team of similar quality twice is never easy, but WSU’s rebounding edge and continued hot shooting should carry over into the shortest month of the year. Look for ND Okafor and Eemeli Yalaho to have productive nights in the paint.