[InTheHole]

Chris Jordan

Oregon State +9' at UTEP

The Beavers will have no choice but to play a stingy defense on the road for the second straight game in this best-of-three series, if they want a shot at winning the tournament title.

Though UTEP won Game 2 by seven, I was more impressed with how the tempo was slowed in that contest, as opposed to how fast-paced these two played in the first game up in Corvallis. Tells me the team with the better defense could take control in this deciding game. And that team is Oregon State. The Miners have more offensive prowess, but that won't matter against an overachieving bunch of Beavers.

I wouldn't be surprised if this one comes down to a buzzer beater, or even goes to overtime ... one thing for sure it will be much closer than the linemakers think.

1♦ OREGON STATE