Event Preview
Overview
The Southern Utah Thunderbirds (4-6) are set to face the Oregon State Beavers (4-5) in a non-conference men's basketball matchup on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at 2:00 PM PST (5:00 PM EST) at Gill Coliseum in Corvallis, Oregon. This game marks the third meeting between the two teams, with Oregon State leading the series 2-0, including a 99-82 victory in 2017. (suutbirds.com)
Season Snapshot
Southern Utah Thunderbirds
The Thunderbirds have had a challenging start to the season, holding a 4-6 record. They have shown offensive prowess, averaging 81.4 points per game, but have struggled defensively, allowing 80.2 points per game. Notably, Southern Utah has held its last four opponents to less than 70 points, indicating improvements on the defensive end. (suutbirds.com)
Oregon State Beavers
The Beavers have a 4-5 record, with a strong home performance of 4-1. They average 72.3 points per game and have been effective from beyond the arc, making 8.8 three-pointers per game. Oregon State is coming off a 80-58 victory over Vermont, where they shot 50.9% from the field and 50% from three-point range, both season highs. (osubeavers.com)
Recent Form
Southern Utah Thunderbirds
Southern Utah enters this game on a two-game winning streak, having defeated Stetson and West Coast Baptist. In their most recent game, they set a program record by making 23 three-pointers in a 124-59 victory over West Coast Baptist. Dylan Jones led the team with 26 points in that game. (suutbirds.com)
Oregon State Beavers
The Beavers are also on a winning streak, having secured a 80-58 victory over Vermont in their last outing. Josiah Lake II led the team with 18 points, and Malcolm Christie added 12 points. (foxsports.com)
Talking Points
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Southern Utah's Three-Point Shooting: Can the Thunderbirds' record-breaking three-point shooting continue against a stronger opponent?
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Oregon State's Home Advantage: Will the Beavers' strong home performance give them the edge in this matchup?
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Defensive Improvements: Southern Utah has held recent opponents under 70 points; can they maintain this defensive form?
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Key Player Matchups: How will Southern Utah's Dylan Jones and Oregon State's Josiah Lake II impact the game's outcome?
Players to Watch
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Dylan Jones (Southern Utah): Scored 26 points in the Thunderbirds' recent 124-59 victory over West Coast Baptist. (suutbirds.com)
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Josiah Lake II (Oregon State): Led the Beavers with 18 points in their 80-58 win over Vermont. (foxsports.com)
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Elijah Duval (Southern Utah): Averaging 13.8 points per game and 3.6 assists per game this season. (foxsports.com)
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Malcolm Christie (Oregon State): Contributed 12 points in the Beavers' recent victory over Vermont. (foxsports.com)
Key Matchups & Storylines
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Three-Point Shooting Battle: Southern Utah's record-breaking three-point shooting versus Oregon State's strong perimeter defense.
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Home Court Advantage: Oregon State's impressive home record and how it influences the game's dynamics.
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Defensive Strategies: Southern Utah's recent defensive improvements against Oregon State's offensive threats.
Fun Facts
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Record-Breaking Performance: Southern Utah set a program record by making 23 three-pointers in a 124-59 victory over West Coast Baptist. (suutbirds.com)
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Home Court Success: Oregon State is 4-1 at home this season, showcasing a strong home-court advantage. (espn.com)
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High-Scoring Games: Southern Utah has averaged 81.4 points per game this season, indicating a potent offense. (espn.com)
Things to Chirp About
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"Can Southern Utah's three-point shooting continue to be this lethal?"
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"Oregon State's home record is impressive; will they defend their turf?"
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"Dylan Jones is on fire; can he keep up the momentum?"
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"Elijah Duval's playmaking could be the key for Southern Utah."
Prediction
This matchup features two teams with contrasting strengths: Southern Utah's high-scoring offense and Oregon State's solid home performance. While the Thunderbirds have shown offensive firepower, their defensive vulnerabilities could be exploited by the Beavers. Oregon State's home-court advantage and defensive capabilities may give them the edge in this closely contested game.