CORVALLIS – Instead of a final buzzer, the first Oregon State basketball season under Wayne Tinkle ended with a March news release.
The year rose above preseason projections of a last place Pac-12 finish but ultimately fell short of a National Invitation Tournament bid. Instead of accepting an offer to the Beavers' fifth College Basketball Invitational in seven years, Tinkle elected to pass.
The decision gave his team the chance to rest and prepare for finals, yet also shifted a renewed focus on competing for postseason tournaments of greater stature.
With seven games to play this season, the Beavers are in great standing for a return to the NIT for the first time since 2005.