Oregon State rallies in 2nd half, tops ODU 61-56

ST. THOMAS, U.S. Virgin Islands (AP) – Gligorije Rakocevic scored 15 points, including a pair of key baskets down the stretch, and Oregon State rallied in the second half Friday for a 61-56 victory over Old Dominion in the opening game of the Paradise Jam tournament.

Down 53-44 with 6:17 remaining, the Beavers (3-0) took a 56-54 lead on Rakocevic’s 3-point play with 1:47 left.

After Ahmad Caver missed a pair of free throws with 56 seconds remaining that would have tied it for the Monarchs (1-2), Rakocevic followed with a dunk to give Oregon State a four-point lead.

Tres Tinkle had 13 points and 12 rebounds, and Stephen Thompson Jr. scored a game-high 17 points for the Beavers, who advance to Sunday’s semifinals at the University of the Virgin Islands’ Sports and Fitness Center.

B.J. Stith scored 15 points, Caver added 12 and Justice Kithcart had 10 points for Old Dominion, which will in Saturday’s consolation round.