Feb. 5, 1998

Oregon State Beats USC 83-74

CORVALLIS, Ore. (AP) - Oregon State scored nine straight points in overtime, with freshman Deaundra Tanner getting five of them, as the Beavers beat Southern California 83-74 on Thursday night.

Tanner sparked the run that gave Oregon State (12-10, 2-8 Pac-10) a 78-69 lead with 54.5 seconds left. During the run, the Beavers held USC (7-13, 3-7) scoreless for over three minutes.

Oregon State had four players score in double figures, as Corey Benjamin led the way with 33 points and nine rebounds. John-Blair Bickerstaff added 14 points and four assists, Tanner 13 points and Jerome Vaden 12.

The Trojans also had four players in double figures, with Adam Spanich hitting all four of his 3-point tries to finish with 14 points. Elias Ayuso had 13 points, Jeff Trepagnier 11 and Anthony White 10 for USC.

The game was tied 69-69 after Spanich hit two of three free throws with 4:03 to play. OSU then went in front for good with a 93-second possession that included four field goal attempts and two free throws; the Beavers couldn't score, though, until Tanner hit a 15-footer with 2:30 left.

USC couldn't answer on its next possession when Gary Johnson had one shot blocked by Todd Marshall and then missed a 3-pointer with the shot clock winding down. Marshall hit two free throws at the other end to put Oregon State up 73-69 with 1:33 to play.

Tanner provided the next big play, stripping Johnson of the ball at midcourt and then drawing an intentional foul by Johnson. Tanner hit both free throws then hit another after the Beavers were given the ball to make the lead 76-69 with 1:13 remaining.

Oregon State had a chance to win the game in regulation but Benjamin's 3-pointer from the top of the key was no good at the buzzer.