CORVALLIS, Ore. — Michael Rataj showcased an impressive performance, scoring 28 points to guide Oregon State to an 89-79 win against Portland on Monday evening.

Alongside his scoring prowess, Rataj contributed five rebounds and five assists, helping the Beavers improve their season record to 11-3 overall and 1-0 in the West Coast Conference. Teammate Liutauras Lelevicius added 15 points with a shooting line of 5 for 8, including 3 for 5 from beyond the arc. Additionally, Nate Kingz also had 15 points, shooting 6 of 9 from the floor, attempting four 3-pointers but converting only one.

On the other side, Austin Rapp was the standout for the Pilots, finishing the game with 22 points and six rebounds. He was supported by Max Mackinnon, who scored 14 points and dished out four assists, while Jermaine Ballisager Webb chipped in with 10 points.

The Beavers took control of the game just before halftime, establishing a lead with 1:31 left in the first period, which they maintained for the rest of the match. Rataj’s scoring was key in the first half, where he netted 18 points, helping Oregon State to a 46-39 advantage at the break.

In the second half, Oregon State expanded their six-point lead into a 15-point cushion, fueled by a 9-0 scoring run that pushed them ahead 83-68 with just 3:08 remaining. Parsa Fallah provided a strong contribution as well, scoring 13 points during the second half to aid in the victory.

Looking ahead, Oregon State will next face Loyola Marymount, while Portland is set to challenge No. 19 Gonzaga in their upcoming West Coast Conference matchup on Thursday.