Oregon State Stunned by Evansville in Paradise Jam Tournament Opener

The Oregon State Beavers suffered a tough loss in their first game of the 2025 Paradise Jam. Evansville defeated them with a final score of 73-69. The game took place on November 21 in Charlotte Amalie, U.S. Virgin Islands. This early-season tournament upset shakes up the bracket.

Oregon State entered the game with a 3-1 record. They were considered favorites against the Purple Aces. Evansville’s disciplined play and clutch free throws secured the win.

How Evansville Engineered the Four-Point Upset

The game was a back-and-forth battle from tip-off. Evansville held a slim 30-28 lead at halftime. The second half saw the Purple Aces execute their game plan perfectly.

Joshua Hughes led all scorers with 16 points for Evansville. Teammates Bryce Quinet and Leif Moeller added 15 and 14 points respectively. Their balanced scoring attack proved too much for the Beavers’ defense.

Free throw accuracy was the decisive factor. Evansville shot an impressive 80% from the line, making 28 of 35 attempts. That composure under pressure sealed the victory in the final minutes.

Oregon State’s Struggle to Find Rhythm

The Beavers never found a consistent offensive flow. They shot 42.9% from the field, which was not enough to keep pace. Key possessions down the stretch ended in misses or turnovers.

According to ESPN’s game statistics, Oregon State’s rebounding was also outmatched. Evansville collected 34 total boards, controlling the glass. This limited second-chance opportunities for the Beavers.

This loss drops Oregon State’s record to 3-2 overall. It represents a missed opportunity to gain momentum in a competitive early-season event. The team must regroup quickly for their next tournament game.

This Paradise Jam tournament opener serves as a wake-up call for Oregon State. They must now navigate the consolation bracket to salvage their trip to the islands.

A quick knowledge drop for you

What is the Paradise Jam tournament?

The Paradise Jam is an annual early-season college basketball tournament. It is held in the U.S. Virgin Islands and features teams from multiple conferences. This year’s event includes eight teams competing in a bracket format.

Who were the standout players for Evansville?

Joshua Hughes was the leading scorer with 16 points and 6 rebounds. Bryce Quinet and Leif Moeller were also crucial, combining for 29 points. Their collective effort on both ends of the floor made the difference.

What does this loss mean for Oregon State’s season?

It is an early setback but not catastrophic. Non-conference tournaments are for learning and development. The Beavers will use this game to identify areas for improvement before Pac-12 play.

Who does Oregon State play next in the tournament?

Oregon State will face the loser of the Iona vs. Akron game. That consolation matchup will occur on November 22. It is a chance for the Beavers to bounce back with a win.

How did the game statistics break down?

Evansville won despite a lower field goal percentage (40% to 42.9%). They dominated at the free-throw line and won the rebounding battle. Turnovers and timely stops were also key factors.