Colorado State Defeats Oregon State, 69-56

Tim Miles earns his first win as Rams head coach

Willis Gardner
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FAIRBANKS, Alaska (AP) - Willis Gardner scored 20 points, grabbed five rebounds and dished out five assists to help Colorado State defeat Oregon State 69-56 Thursday in the BP Top of the World Classic.

Oregon State led 20-19 early in the first half until Gardner's field goal with 11:50 remaining started an 8-0 run that gave the Rams the lead for good.

Colorado State (1-1) led 41-33 at halftime and began the second period with another 8-0 run, capped by a fast break layup by Adam Nigon.

The Beavers (0-1) responded with an 8-0 run of their own that ended with a 3-pointer by Marcel Jones. But Gardner hit a layup and a foul shot and the Rams put the game out of reach.

Colorado State's 7-foot center, Stuart Creason, scored 17 points and pulled down 17 rebounds.

Seth Tarver scored 15 points for Oregon State and was the only Beaver in double figures.

Colorado State will face Tennessee State on Saturday in the semifinals. Oregon State will take on Alaska in the consolation bracket.