Oregon State led by 17 by halftime and went on to defeat Cal State Bakersfield 86-62.

The Beavers jumped out to an 11-0 lead in the first two minutes with some hot shooting and never trailed. They ended up making 27of 50 shots (54 percent).

Sophomore guard Ahmad Starks led the Beavers with 16 points and six steals. Joe Burton also added 16 points. Star returner Jared Cunningham gave the Beavers 15 points and five of Oregon State’s 19 steals. Cunningham was fifth in the nation in steals last year. Eric Moreland contributed a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds.

Junior guard Issiah Grayson paced Cal State Bakersfield with 15 points. However, he also had nine of the team’s 27 turnovers. Senior Rashad Savage chipped in 11 points and 11 rebounds. This was the debut for new Roadrunners coach, Rod Barnes, the 2001 Naismith College Coach of the Year with Ole Miss.

Oregon State coach Craig Robinson is now in his fourth season and all 16 players on the roster were recruited by his staff. Although there hasn’t been much talk of Robinson being on the hot seat due to an impressive first season, that welcome could wear off since the Beavers’ win totals have decreased from 18 to 14 to 11.