Oregon State Men's Basketball Aims for WCC Tournament Success

Three keys for the Beavers as they enter the postseason

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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Oregon State men's basketball has faced an eventful couple of weeks, from coaching changes to key injuries. As they enter the WCC Tournament, the Beavers will need to focus on three critical areas to have a shot at the championship: being patient on offense, limiting second-chance points, and getting a spark from sophomore guard Keziah Ekissi.

Why it matters

The WCC Tournament represents Oregon State's last chance to salvage their season and earn a postseason berth after a tumultuous regular season. With their roster depleted by injuries, the Beavers will need to execute fundamentally sound basketball to overcome their challenges.

The details

On offense, Oregon State has had success when they take their time and work the ball inside rather than settling for early three-point attempts. Limiting second-chance points for their opponents will also be crucial, as the Beavers struggled with defensive rebounding in a recent loss to Santa Clara. Finally, the team will need a boost from sophomore guard Keziah Ekissi, who has provided a scoring spark off the bench in recent games.

  • The WCC Tournament quarterfinals take place on Sunday, March 9, 2026.
  • Oregon State's regular season ended on March 1, 2026.

The players

Josiah Lake II

A key player for Oregon State this season, as the team's starting point guard.

Keziah Ekissi

A sophomore guard who has emerged as an offensive threat off the bench for the Beavers.

Wayne Tinkle

The head coach of the Oregon State men's basketball team.

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What they’re saying

“Too often in the past couple weeks of the regular season(even in games that they won), the Beavers would settle for early-clock, low-percentage three-point looks.”

— Wayne Tinkle, Head Coach (si.com)

“Last Saturday in Santa Clara, rebounding was a nightmare for Wayne Tinkle's side. Oregon State was right with the Broncos halfway through the first, and then offensive boards ultimately led to the home side pulling away, as Santa Clara kept piling up second-chance points.”

— Wayne Tinkle, Head Coach (si.com)

What’s next

The winner of the Oregon State vs. Portland/San Francisco quarterfinal matchup will advance to the WCC Tournament semifinals on Monday, March 10, 2026.

The takeaway

With their roster depleted by injuries, Oregon State will need to execute fundamentally sound basketball and get contributions from unexpected sources like Keziah Ekissi if they hope to make a deep run in the WCC Tournament and salvage their season.