Oregon State edges San Francisco 78-77 in WCC quarterfinal, advancing to Monday semifinal vs Gonzaga

A one-possession finish in Las Vegas

Oregon State survived a late San Francisco rally to win 78-77 on Sunday, March 8, in a West Coast Conference (WCC) men’s basketball tournament quarterfinal at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas. The result sent the Beavers into the tournament semifinals, where they are scheduled to face top-seeded Gonzaga on Monday, March 9.

San Francisco led 32-30 at halftime before Oregon State outscored the Dons 48-45 in the second half. The game tightened in the final minutes after Oregon State briefly created separation, setting up a final possession that ended with San Francisco’s last-second three-pointer falling after time had effectively run out of chances to regain the lead.

Key contributors and statistical pressure points

Oregon State’s scoring was paced by Josiah Lake II and Dez White, who each finished with 18 points. Lake also added seven assists, helping stabilize Oregon State’s offense during stretches when San Francisco threatened to turn momentum with perimeter shooting and transition opportunities. Isaiah Sy scored 12 for Oregon State.

For San Francisco, Tyrone Riley IV scored a game-high 23 points and added four assists and three steals. Ryan Beasley finished with 19 points and seven assists, while Legend Smiley scored 18 points, driven by six made three-pointers. Forward David Fuchs recorded a double-double with 11 points and 12 rebounds.

• Final score: Oregon State 78, San Francisco 77
• Halftime: San Francisco 32, Oregon State 30
• Top scorers: Riley (USF) 23; Lake and White (OSU) 18 each
• Double-double: Fuchs (USF) 11 points, 12 rebounds

How Oregon State created its margin

Beyond the primary scoring lines, Oregon State’s depth stood out. The Beavers posted a pronounced advantage in bench production, a factor that helped them withstand early deficits and keep pace as San Francisco’s perimeter shot-making accelerated in the second half.

San Francisco’s offense largely flowed through multiple perimeter creators, and the Dons’ spacing opened driving lanes and kick-outs to shooters. Oregon State countered by leaning on ball movement and timely three-point shooting, while also producing key defensive plays late, including rim protection that limited clean finishing opportunities.

What the result means for the bracket

The win moved Oregon State into a semifinal matchup against Gonzaga on Monday night in Las Vegas. For San Francisco, the one-point loss ended the Dons’ tournament run despite four double-figure scorers and a late comeback push that brought the final possession into play.

San Francisco rallied from a late deficit but could not reclaim the lead in the final sequence, as Oregon State held on by one.