Oregon State advances to Elite Eight, tying all-time record held by Missouri
Oregon State upset Loyola 65-58 in the Sweet 16 on Saturday afternoon, which puts the Beavers in rare company.
Oregon State is just the second No. 12-seed to advance to the Elite Eight since 1979, tying a record that was previously held by Missouri.
The Tigers’ 2002 team advanced all the way to the Elite Eight despite being a No. 12 seed. They defeated No. 5-seeded Miami, No. 4-seed Ohio State and No. 8-seeded UCLA before eventually falling to No. 2-seeded Oklahoma.
Oregon State defeats Loyola Chicago 65-58.
The Beavers reach the Elite 8 as a 12 seed, tied for the lowest seed to reach the Elite 8 since seeding began in 1979 (2002 Missouri). pic.twitter.com/pSPi63olkn
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) March 27, 2021
That path is identical to what Oregon State has accomplished. The Beavers defeated No. 5-seeded Tennessee, No. 4-seeded Oklahoma State and No. 8-seeded Loyola en route to the Elite Eight. They will now face No. 11-seeded Syracuse or No. 2-seeded Houston on Monday.
Against Loyola, it was Oregon State’s zone defense that made the difference. The Beavers held the Ramblers to just 16 first-half points, and were able to hold off a late comeback attempt in the second half.
Oregon State will learn its opponent in the Elite Eight later on Saturday night as Syracuse and Houston battle at 9:55 p.m. ET.