"We put in so much work this offseason to make sure we show people what we're capable of doing," he said.
Tinkle had 24 points and six rebounds as Oregon State beat Southern Utah 99-82 in the season opener for both squads Friday night.
In his first game in nearly a year due to injury, Tinkle drove the lane, made free throws and scored from long distance. He shot 8-for-11 from the field.
Ethan Thompson had 20 points, eight rebounds, five assists and three blocks in his first college game for the Beavers (1-0), who provided coach Wayne Tinkle with his 200th career win.