Thursday marks the first time the two schools will face off as West Coast Conference foes. Here’s how Gonzaga can win.
The Gonzaga Bulldogs are set to take on the Oregon State Beavers on Thursday, marking one of the marquee matchups of the West Coast Conference season so far. As the Zags look to continue building momentum, the Beavers aim to pull off a statement win and cement their reputation as legitimate conference contenders in their debut season. Here’s what Gonzaga fans need to know about Oregon State and how the Zags can secure a fifth sixth straight victory.
Scouting the Oregon State Beavers
Record: 13-5
KenPom Ranking: 66
Oregon State comes into this game riding a mix of highs and lows. Big wins over Pacific and USD have been balanced by tough losses to Loyola Marymount and Nebraska. Perhaps most notable is their recent one-point overtime heartbreaker against Santa Clara, a gritty contest that likely left the Beavers drained but battle-tested.
Under head coach Wayne Tinkle, Oregon State thrives on disciplined defense and a deliberate offensive approach. They’re not the fastest-paced team the Zags will face this season, but they can be sneakily effective in transition and in hunting second chance points.
For Gonzaga, improving their shaky three-point shooting has been a priority—and progress has been evident. Thanks to assertive offensive performances from Dusty Stromer, Ben Gregg, and Nolan Hickman, the Zags have started to find their rhythm beyond the arc. Pair that with the continued dominance of Graham Ike in the paint, and Gonzaga is well-positioned to take care of business in Corvallis.
Key Players to Watch
1. Michael Rataj
Averaging 16.6 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game while shooting nearly 49% from the field, Rataj has been on a tear lately, putting up over 19 points per game in the Beavers’ last six outings. At 6’9”, Rataj’s size and versatility make him a nightmare for opposing defenses. He can score near the rim, knock down outside shots, and draw fouls at a high rate, connecting consistently from the free-throw line. His ability to attack from multiple spots on the court has caused headaches for defenses all season—and he’s exactly the kind of player the Zags have struggled to contain.
2. Parsa Fallah
Another 6’9” standout, Fallah has been a consistent force, shooting an impressive 64.4% from the field. He recently dropped 25 points on Pacific and 24 against LMU. Together with Rataj, he creates a “pick-your-poison” dilemma for opposing defenses, attacking both inside and from mid-range. Gonzaga’s defensive rotations and communication will need to be airtight to limit second-chance points, especially with Fallah lurking for putbacks and kick-outs.
3. Damarco Minor
The Beavers’ floor general, Minor is a true point guard who prioritizes facilitating over scoring. Averaging 5.4 assists per game and playing 30 minutes a night, he’s adept at getting to the rim and collapsing defenses before kicking out to find open shooters. While not a consistent scoring threat, his ability to orchestrate the offense makes him a key figure in Oregon State’s system. Gonzaga will need to disrupt his rhythm and force him into uncomfortable situations in the half court to make sure and disrupt Oregon’s perimeter ball movement.
Team Strengths and Weaknesses
Oregon State’s strength lies in their defense. They force over 12 turnover a per game and are top 10 in the nation for steals (7.8 per game). This disruptive style could pose problems for Gonzaga, especially given the Zags’ recent struggles with turnovers. Oregon State thrives on sloppy offensive play, so Gonzaga’s guards—Dusty Stromer, and Khalif Battle especially must tighten their passing and decision-making on the perimeter.
On the flip side, the Beavers’ offense can sputter, particularly when their stars are off the floor. Their shooting effective shooting percentage hovers and 55% but their bench production is inconsistent in the scoring column, giving Gonzaga opportunities to exploit the interior when Fallah and Rataj take a breather.
Keys to the Game for Gonzaga
1. Dominate the Paint
Graham Ike has been unstoppable recently, and Braden Huff has been almost just as good off the bench. Oregon State lacks the interior size to consistently defend against Gonzaga’s post presence. Look for the Zags to seek high-percentage shots early and often, while aiming to draw fouls on the Beavers’ key bigs.
2. Push the Pace
Oregon State thrives in slower, grind-it-out games. Gonzaga must dictate tempo, turning this into a high-scoring affair that forces the Beavers out of their comfort zone. With their short rotation, Oregon State struggles when the pace ramps up, especially when their reserves are on the floor.
3. Unleash Nolan Hickman
The Zags are a different team when their backcourt contributes consistently. Nolan Hickman’s confidence has been growing, and his recent 5-of-8 three-point performance against last week shows how much of a difference maker he’s capable of being. If he can continue attacking off the dribble, connecting from deep. and creating space for himself, Gonzaga’s offense will become even more dynamic.
Final Thoughts
While Gonzaga comes into this game as the clear favorite, the Beavers should not be underestimated. Their disciplined defense and second-chance scoring opportunities could keep things close if the Zags aren’t careful with the ball or aggressive enough in transition.
Still, playing in Corvallis presents a unique challenge. The Beavers are 10-1 at home this season, and their fans will be fired up to make a strong impression against the WCC’s perennial powerhouse.
Tipoff is scheduled for 8:00 pm PST with coverage provided by CBS. For Gonzaga, the mission remains the same: consistency. If they can put together a complete 40-minute performance and then do the same night after night, the Zags will be tough to beat not just on Thursday, but in March as well.