EUGENE – Before the 346th Civil War became a rout, one of the game's critical plays came subtly before the first media timeout.
Gary Payton II, Oregon State's all-everything point guard and across-the-board statistical leader, darted from the right wing to the hoop. He left his feet for a lob from the other end of the floor but could not finish at the rim.
In an attempt to reclaim the ball, Payton made contact with Oregon forward Chris Boucher and whistled for his second foul. It forced the reigning Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year to the bench with more than 15 minutes to go.