Oregon State Beavers at Pacific Tigers (January 2, 2026) Men’s College Basketball

Both Oregon State and Pacific joined the rebuilt West Coast Conference this season, adding fresh intraconference matchups. The Tigers bring strong home momentum into early league play, while the Beavers look to build consistency on the road against a team dominating the glass and protecting their court.

Key Matchup to Watch

Rebounding edge versus perimeter volume stands out as the critical factor. Pacific’s ability to crash the glass and secure second chances could neutralize Oregon State’s reliance on three-point shooting, while any Beavers’ success in transition off misses might open up outside looks.

Total Outlook (O/U 142)

Pacific’s stingy defense allows just 68.2 points per game, pairing with moderate pace to keep scores down at home. Oregon State scores around 72 but faces tougher defenses lately. Styles suggest a controlled, lower-possession affair that aligns with recent outputs from both sides.

Projected Game Flow

Expect a deliberate start with Pacific leveraging home crowd and rebounding to build early leads through second chances. Mid-game adjustments could see Oregon State heat up from deep to close gaps, leading to a tighter second half where foul trouble or late execution decides momentum in a physical contest.

• Game Time: 10:00 PM ET

• Location: Stockton, CA (Alex G. Spanos Center)

• Point Spread: Pacific -4.5

• Over/Under: O/U 141.5

Oregon State Beavers

• Record: 8-7 overall, 1-1 WCC

• Coach: Wayne Tinkle (12th season)

• Preseason Conference Poll: 5th in WCC

• Preseason All-Conference Selections: NA

• Last Game: December 29, 2025 – Oregon State 68, Washington State 62. The Beavers secured a hard-fought road win in their most recent WCC outing, relying on efficient half-court offense and timely perimeter shooting to pull ahead late. Defensive pressure limited the Cougars’ transition opportunities, while balanced scoring from multiple contributors helped maintain the lead despite some second-half surges from the opponents. 

• This Game: Oregon State relies on perimeter shooting, averaging nearly nine threes per game, led by players like Josiah Lake who handles scoring, rebounding, and playmaking duties. The Beavers push tempo when possible and depend on outside volume to offset rebounding deficits, especially against physical frontcourts.

• Stat Snapshot: Oregon State attempts 8.9 three-pointers made per game, ranking in the top half nationally for volume from beyond the arc.

The Case for Oregon State +4.5

If the Beavers hit early threes to loosen Pacific’s interior focus, they can dictate tempo and create transition opportunities. Limiting turnovers while forcing the Tigers into half-court sets plays to Oregon State’s strengths; strong perimeter shooting combined with defensive rebounds could keep the game within single digits late, allowing a cover even in a close loss.

Pacific Tigers

• Record: 9-6 overall, 0-2 WCC

• Coach: Dave Smart (2nd season)

• Preseason Conference Poll: 10th in WCC

• Preseason All-Conference Selections: NA

• Last Game: December 28 – San Diego 66, Pacific 54. The Tigers struggled offensively in their conference opener, shooting poorly from the field while allowing solid interior looks. Rebounding remained a bright spot, but turnover issues and cold shooting limited second-chance opportunities.

• This Game: Pacific excels at home, winning all contests at the Spanos Center this season, powered by forward Elias Ralph’s scoring and rebounding alongside guard TJ Wainwright’s perimeter threat. The Tigers emphasize board dominance and efficient field goal shooting to control pace and limit opponents’ transitions.

• Stat Snapshot: Pacific holds a +8.8 rebounding margin per game, one of the strongest differentials in Division I.

The Case for Pacific -4.5

Pacific can cover if they dominate the boards early, generating extra possessions and easy points inside through Elias Ralph. Home defense pressuring Oregon State’s guards into inefficient shots, coupled with Wainwright’s outside threat stretching the floor, creates separation. Controlling pace and capitalizing on offensive rebounds leads to double-digit advantages in the second half.