Second Half Surge Lifts Evansville Past Oregon State

Joshua Hughes turned in a 16-point, 12-rebound double-double, leading the way for the Evansville Purple Aces (3-3) in a 73-69 win over Oregon State (3-2) on Friday in the final game of the opening day of the 2025 Paradise Jam.

In a back-and-forth contest that saw four lead changes and four ties, Oregon State pulled ahead by six – its biggest lead of the game – at the 15:52 mark of the second half, but momentum shifted back towards Evansville as the Aces claimed an 11-point lead with 10:30 remaining.

Joining Hughes in double figures were Bryce Quinet (15 points), Leif Moeller (14 points), and Connor Turnbull (10 points). Noah Amenhauser led Oregon State with a 17-point performance.

With the win, Evansville advances to face Akron in Sunday’s Game 9 at 9 p.m.; while Oregon State is back in action on Saturday facing Iona in a 6:30 p.m. matchup.

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