CORVALLIS, Ore. (Interstat) — The Oregon State women’s basketball team used a strong defensive performance and a game-high 23 points from Tiara Bolden to defeat the Air Force Falcons 60-49 on Monday night at Gill Coliseum.

In a game defined by offensive struggles, the Beavers improved to 2-0 on the young season while the Falcons fell to 1-2.

Oregon State seized control early, opening the game on a 10-2 run. Ally Schimel ignited the offense with a 3-pointer on the game’s first possession, and Bolden, a Eugene native, quickly added seven points. The Beavers led 17-8 after the first quarter and maintained a comfortable 32-20 advantage at halftime.

Air Force struggled to find its shooting touch throughout the contest. The Falcons shot just 27.7 percent from the floor, connecting on only 18 of their 65 field goal attempts. They were also hampered by a 4-for-23 performance from beyond the arc.

Despite the shooting woes, the Falcons showed resilience, particularly in the third quarter. They outscored the Beavers 16-11 in the period, cutting the deficit to seven points heading into the final frame. A key factor in their ability to stay competitive was their defensive pressure, which forced Oregon State into 21 turnovers. Air Force also capitalized on second chances, grabbing 12 offensive rebounds.

However, every time the Falcons threatened to close the gap, Oregon State had an answer, often from Bolden. The Beavers shot a efficient 51.2 percent from the field and outrebounded Air Force 41-35.

While Bolden provided the scoring punch, Lara Alonso-Basurto Cumplido controlled the paint for Oregon State. The 6-foot-3 freshman from Madrid, Spain, recorded a double-double with 11 points and 12 rebounds. Nene Sow, a 6-foot-8 post from Brussels, Belgium, anchored the defense with nine rebounds and two blocks.

For Air Force, Keelie O’Hollaren, a Lake Oswego native, led the way with 13 points. Milahnie Perry added 10 points, five assists and a block, while Jordyn DeVaughn came off the bench to contribute 11 points.

The game was a tale of two contrasting styles. Oregon State’s efficiency and size ultimately proved too much for an Air Force team that relied on forcing turnovers and hustle plays but could not overcome its poor shooting night.

An announced crowd of 3,079 watched the contest at Gill Coliseum.

Oregon State next hosts Illinois on Friday. Air Force returns home to face Manhattan on Saturday.