PACIFIC 10 BASKETBALL ROUNDUP : Oregon State Wins Eighth in Row, 79-64

Gary Payton scored 24 points Thursday night as No. 18 Oregon State got its eighth consecutive victory and took over the Pacific 10 Conference lead by defeating Washington State, 79-64, at Corvallis, Ore.

Payton played only 11 minutes in the first half because of foul trouble but scored 16 points in the second half. He had four steals to lead the Beavers (13-2 overall, 6-0 in conference play). Washington State (7-10, 1-6) was led by Juan Thomas’ 14 points.

Oregon State led from the start until Washington State tied the score, 43-43, with 16 minutes left on Jason Thompson’s tip-in. Oregon State regained control, taking a 60-50 lead on Karl Anderson’s basket with 10:11 left.

The Beavers, who shot 85% from the foul line in the second half, made 10 of 12 free throws in the final 10 minutes.

Oregon 65, Washington 54--Terrell Brandon made two three-point shots late in the game to lead the Ducks at Eugene, Ore.

The second three-pointer came with 5:10 left and gave Oregon (8-7, 3-3) a 12-point lead, 58-46.

Washington forward Doug Meekins led a late surge that cut the lead to 60-54 with 2:10 left. The Ducks came back as Brandon made a field goal and a free throw, and Keith Reynolds made two more free throws.