Bears Fall to Oregon State 79-71 in Close Contest in Corvalis

CORVALLIS, Ore. (AP) -- California men's basketball's grit and effort was on display once again in a closely matched contest against Oregon State that saw the Golden Bears fall to the Beavers, 79-71, Saturday afternoon in Gill Coliseum.

The Bears kept the game close down to the waning minutes, with three players pouring in double figures, including another career-high 15-point performance by Connor Vanover. Justice Sueing scored 14 of his 16 points in the second half, and Darius McNeill scored all 16 of his points in the first half.

 Ethan Thompson scored 20 points with seven rebounds and six assists, Stephen Thompson Jr. scored 21 with three 3-pointers and Tres Tinkle added 19 points and three steals for the Beavers (15-8, 7-4 Pac-12).

California had 22 personal fouls compared to 10 for the Beavers, who shot 23 for 28 on free throws. The Golden Bears made 10 of 12 from the foul line.

California went on a 6-0 run to trim the margin to 65-62 with 6:50 left.

The Golden Bears stayed within striking distance, and trailed 73-71 after a 3-pointer by Vanover with 1:45 left.

But Ethan Thompson was fouled and made both free throws, then a California 3-pointer was off the mark on the subsequent possession. Kylor Kelley put back his own missed shot with 40 seconds left to give the Beavers a 77-71 lead and a comfortable cushion.

Oregon State led early, but California went on a 10-2 run, fueled by seven points from McNeill, to take a 14-11 lead at the 13:11 mark.

A 10-0 surge by the Beavers, capped by a 3-pointer from Stephen Thompson Jr. just before the halftime buzzer, put Oregon State ahead 38-32 at the break.

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