This Friday, at 6 PM on the PAC-12 NETWORK, the #9 Oregon State Beavers will visit Eugene and attempt to dethrone the reigning Queens of PAC-12 basketball.

Then, on Monday at 6 PM on ESPN2, the Ducks will travel to Corvallis for the second part of the Civil War.

Can the Beavers take down the Ducks? All rise! Ionescu’s court is in session.

Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports

SEASON THUS FAR

RECORD: 20-4, 10-2

BEST WINS: #11 South Carolina, Utah

WORST LOSS: #10 Stanford

COMMON OPPONENTS: Saint Mary’s, the rest of the PAC-12

LAST 5 GAMES:

• W (1/27) Washington State, 52-35
• W (2/1) Colorado, 89-65
• W (2/3) Utah, 71-63
• L (2/8) #10 Stanford, 44-61
• W (2/10) California, 82-74

SUMMARY: The Beavers have proven themselves a highly competitive team, but have lost four games against some of the nation’s best. In fact, they only have one win over a current top 25 team - #11 South Carolina. Their four losses have been to #6 Notre Dame (81-91), #22 Texas A&M (70-76), #19 Arizona State (76-79), and #10 Stanford (44-61).

The Civil War presents a golden opportunity for the Beavers; While their quality-loss list is rather impressive, Oregon State has let too many big games slip through their fingers. And despite the Ducks being perfect in PAC-12 play, a sweep by the Beavers would force a tie for first place while also giving them the tie-breaker.

Last year, Oregon snapped a 14-game losing streak to the Beavers, but not before Oregon State beat them in Corvallis in an overtime thriller. This year’s showdown could be just as intense, because the Ducks are fighting for a #1 seed while the Beavers have their eyes on regaining control of the PAC.

CONFERENCE COMPARISON*

• BEAVERS score 74.9 PPG
• DUCKS allow 60.3
• BEAVERS shoot 46.9% from the floor
• DUCKS allow 38.1%
• BEAVERS shoot 39.2% from three
• DUCKS allow 31.8%
• BEAVERS average 40.4 rebounds
• DUCKS allow 30.4
• BEAVERS allow 61.8 PPG
• DUCKS score 87.8
• BEAVERS allow 36.4% from the floor
• DUCKS shoot 52.2%
• BEAVERS allow 27.1% from three
• DUCKS shoot 46.5%
• BEAVERS allow 34.8 rebounds
• DUCKS average 38.0
• BEAVERS average 14.8 assists/10.4 turnovers

(*all stats are from conference play)

PLAYERS TO WATCH FOR

Destiny Slocum

5’7, Guard, rSophomore

The transfer from Maryland has made an immediate impact for the Beavers by becoming a day-one starter and leading the team in points per game (16.9). She’s scored at least 20 points in her last four contests and should help out the Beavers’ keep up with the Ducks.

Also, she can do this...

Mikayla Pivec

5’10, Guard, Junior

One of the best ways to slow down the Ducks is to win the rebound battle. Meaning Mikayla Pivec, who’s rebounding 8.9 rebounds per game, could be the key for an upset of the Ducks. The junior is also contributing 14.5 points per game.

Jamie Rhodes-USA TODAY Sports

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IONESCU’S VERDICT

On paper, this will be Oregon’s toughest challenge in the PAC-12. In conference play, Oregon State is second in points scored (74.9) and in points allowed (87.8), but Oregon is first in both categories (87.8 and 60.3 respectively) and the Beavers are the only team in the PAC who haven’t faced the Ducks this season.

Oregon has more to lose than Oregon State, but will have a sold out Matt Knight Arena to support them. Oregon State is a very good team, but Oregon has proven themselves against better competition and are disciplined enough not to look ahead.

The Ducks will sweep the Beavers and will extend the NCAA’s longest win streak to 18 games.

THREAT LEVEL

13 out of 16 triple-doubles

SCORE PREDICTION

Eugene: DUCKS 92 - BEAVERS 78

Corvallis: DUCKS 76 - BEAVERS 70