Oregon State has won 14 conference championships and appeared in the NCAA tournament 18 times (three
(1980–82) were later vacated by the NCAA). The Beavers have advanced to the Final Four twice (1949, 1963), and their most recent tournament appearance was in 2021, when they advanced to the Elite Eight after winning their first tournament games since 1982.
As of the 2023 season the Oregon State men's basketball holds the NCAA record for most games played against a single opponent with 362 games played against the Oregon Ducks men's basketball team and the NCAA record for 2nd most victories against a single opponent with 195 victories against the Ducks. [2]
The 1980–81 Oregon State men's basketball season was arguably one of the best yet most upsetting basketball seasons in Oregon State history. The team was referred to as the Orange Express and was led by Beaver legendary coach Ralph Miller.[5][6][7] The Orange Express season was led by Beaver great, Steve Johnson, in his last year at OSU, and the Beavers were second in the final polls, released prior to the NCAA tournament. This was the first time in OSU history that the Beavers won at UCLA, and the Orange Express spent a school record eight weeks ranked first in at least one of the AP and Coaches Polls.[8] At the end of the regular season, the Beavers were 26–1 and entered the 48-team NCAA tournament as the top seed in the West region. They had a bye in the first round, but were upset in their opening game by #8 seed Kansas State 50–48 in the second round, at Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles.[9] Miller was awarded UPI and AP Coach of the Year honors and Steve Johnson received All-American honors.[5]
For three seasons beginning in 1980–81, OSU posted an overall record of 77–11 (.875), second only to DePaul's 79–6 record over the same seasons. The Beavers' record included a 35–1 home record at Gill Coliseum, including a school best 24 consecutive home wins.[5]
However, NCAA sanctions followed these standout teams.[10] The NCAA found that many players, from 1979 to 1983 were involved in improper arrangements with outside representative related to the purchase of complimentary basketball tickets and the receipt of other prohibited benefits.[10] The NCAA vacated appearances from the 1980, 1981, and 1982 tournaments.[11]
Postseason
NCAA tournament results
The Beavers have appeared in the NCAA tournament 18 times. Their combined record is 15–21. OSU had three NCAA Tournament appearances (1980, 1981 and 1982) vacated by the NCAA, resulting in 15 recognized appearances and an "official" NCAA Tournament record of 13–18. Their former 46-year drought between "official" tournament wins was the longest drought of any team from a major conference.
Note all-time series includes non-conference matchups.
Rivalries
Oregon Ducks — Oregon State's main rivalry (The Civil War[12]) is with the Ducks. As of the 2023 season the Oregon State men's basketball holds the NCAA record for most games played against a single opponent with 362 games played against the Oregon Ducks men's basketball team and the NCAA record for 2nd most victories against a single opponent with 195 victories against the Ducks. [13]
Washington Huskies — The Dog Fight is one of Oregon State's lesser-known rivalry games. As of 2023 they also have played rivals the Washington Huskies men's basketball 310 times (NCAA record 3rd most) [14]
Washington State Cougars — The Land-Grant Rivalry as land-grant universities, WSU and OSU have a longtime regional rivalry. As of 2023 they also have played rivals the Washington State Cougars men's basketball 308 times (NCAA record 4th most) and have beaten the Cougars 176 times (NCAA record 6th most) [15]
Arizona Wildcats – The Cat's Meow was coined during the 1980's Ralph Miller era when the Beavers would match-up against famed-coach Lute Olson's squad.
