CORVALLIS, Ore. (Interstat) — In a back-and-forth non-conference battle that came down to the final possession, the Oregon State Beavers held off a resilient Illinois-Chicago Flames squad for a 76-73 victory Friday night at a tense Gill Coliseum.

A raucous crowd of 3,476 watched as the Beavers, who led for the majority of the contest, saw a once-comfortable advantage whittled down to a single point in the game’s final minute. The victory, powered by a career-high 22 points from junior guard Josiah Lake, improved Oregon State’s record to 2-0 to open the young season, while the Flames fell to an even 1-1.

The game unfolded largely as national prognosticators had anticipated, with Oregon State entering as a 2.5-point favorite and holding a significant 79.2 percent probability to win according to the Interstat ELO system. The combined score of 149 points also narrowly dipped under the pregame over/under line of 148.5.

Oregon State established control early, leveraging its size and a balanced offensive attack to build a lead in the first half. The Beavers took a 42-37 advantage into the locker room at halftime, capitalizing on efficient ball movement and second-chance opportunities. The Flames, however, refused to capitulate, staying within striking distance behind the scoring of guards Ahmad Henderson and Andy Johnson.

The second half saw Illinois-Chicago slowly chip away at the deficit. The Flames’ defense intensified, forcing tougher shots from the Beavers and converting turnovers into points in transition. With just under a minute remaining, UIC managed to cut the Oregon State lead to a single point, sending a wave of anxiety through the home crowd.

In the critical final moments, it was Lake, a Tualatin, Oregon native, who delivered the decisive plays. After a key defensive stop, Lake calmly sank two free throws to extend the lead to three points. On the ensuing possession, the Flames had a clean look at a game-tying three-pointer, but the attempt rimmed out as the final horn sounded, securing the hard-fought win for the Beavers.

Lake’s performance was the cornerstone of the Oregon State victory. The 6-foot-2 guard logged 35 minutes, pouring in his 22 points while also grabbing a team-high eight rebounds and dishing out two assists. His all-around effort provided the steadying presence the Beavers needed during UIC’s frantic comeback attempt.

He was ably supported by a diverse and international supporting cast. Msatija Samar, a 6-foot-6 guard from Jesenice, Slovenia, filled the stat sheet with 11 points, six rebounds, and six assists, serving as the primary facilitator for the Beaver offense. In the frontcourt, Johan Munch, a 6-foot-11 forward from Copenhagen, Denmark, came within a single rebound of a double-double, finishing with nine points and 10 rebounds. Fellow big man Olavi Suutela of Helsinki, Finland, added seven points and five rebounds, as Oregon State’s size and depth ultimately proved to be a significant factor.

For Illinois-Chicago, the loss was a bitter pill despite a valiant effort. The Flames were led by the dynamic backcourt duo of Henderson and Johnson. Henderson, a 5-foot-9 sophomore from Chicago, spearheaded the offense with a team-high 18 points and three assists in 28 minutes of action. Johnson, a 6-foot-5 guard from Union, Kentucky, was equally potent, contributing 15 points, three rebounds, and three assists.

The Flames also received a strong interior performance from forward Jayce Nathaniel. The 6-foot-9 Buford, Georgia, native was a force on both ends, scoring 16 points and pulling down seven rebounds against Oregon State’s sizable front line. Sam Silverstein, a 6-foot-6 wing from Glencoe, Illinois, also reached double figures with 10 points, adding three rebounds, three assists, and a blocked shot.

The contest served as a stark contrast to each team’s season opener. Illinois-Chicago entered the game riding high after a dominant 91-71 home victory over Detroit the previous Monday. Oregon State, meanwhile, had eked out a narrow 67-65 win against North Dakota State to begin its campaign. The Beavers’ ability to secure another close victory, this time against a determined UIC team, provides early evidence of their poise in clutch situations.

Looking ahead, Illinois-Chicago will aim to return to the win column quickly as they return home to host St. Francis on Tuesday, November 11. They will then embark on a two-game road trip, facing Chicago State on November 15 and High Point on November 20.

Oregon State, now 2-0, faces a significant early-season test in its next outing. The Beavers will travel to face in-state rival Oregon on Monday, November 17, in a highly anticipated matchup. Their next home game at Gill Coliseum will not be until Saturday, November 29, when they welcome California Baptist.

For the Flames, the narrow defeat on the road against a Pac-12 opponent, while disappointing, offers encouraging signs for the season ahead. Their ability to challenge a favored team down to the final shot demonstrates a level of competitiveness that should serve them well as they navigate their upcoming schedule. For the Beavers, the win reinforces their early-season form and provides momentum as they prepare for the rigors of a tough non-conference slate and the looming rivalry game against the Ducks.