CAN I GET A GO BEAVS?!

Oregon State is in the Elite 8 of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. Yes you read that right. The Beavers upset Loyola Chicago in convincing fashion and are just the second 12 seed to ever make it this far. The other was Missouri in 2002. The even crazier part? If Oregon State beats Houston in the next round, they will be the first 12 seed to ever make it to the Final Four. What an improbable run. But hey, it’s called March Madness for a reason.

Now if you know me, you know I’m a proud OSU alum. I have friends on the team still and it’s awesome to see them making history. But I’d be lying if I said I had them going this far. I called the upset against Oklahoma State in my bracket. But I don’t know if any Beaver fan had them going this far. Is that doubting our team? Maybe to a certain extent. But if this team’s run has shown us anything this year, it’s that the tournament continues to be unpredictable as ever.

In my last blog post I wrote about not wanting to be a Number 1 seed. I still stand by that. I’m not sure if it’s the environment teams are playing in this year, but the Cinderella stories are everywhere. Now as the Beavers move into the Elite Eight, I’m going to go as far as to say they will make it to the Final Four. I’ll update my predictions after that.

I’ve watched all the games in the tournament this year and it’s clear OSU has a tight, efficient running offense. Led by Senior Ethan Thompson, they play disciplined, fundamental basketball. He has a supporting cast of shooters, defensive specialists, and big men that can play both sides of the ball. I remember just a few years ago when many were calling for the firing of head coach Wayne Tinkle. Those critics have fallen silent now.

I don’t think I can remember a time where I’ve been more proud to be a Beaver. Maybe earlier this year when OSU beat Oregon in football on a last-minute goal line drive. That was pretty dope. And if this year has shown me anything about the sports programs in Corvallis, it’s that they are making waves competing on the national stage.

So as the Beavers move into the Elite 8, I’m expecting history to be made. Now, let’s all say it together.

GO BEAVS!