CORVALLIS — Never quite able to pull far enough away for comfort despite a 22-point lead in the first half Saturday, Oregon State men’s basketball beat Southern Utah 81-70 at Gill Coliseum.

The Beavers (5-5) were led by Dez White with 20 points and Johan Munch with 16.

The Thunderbirds (4-7) were the worst team OSU has faced this season in terms of NET ranking at No. 343.

The win was Oregon State’s second straight, coming on the heels of a five-game losing streak.

White was red-hot from the start, hitting his first three attempts to give OSU a 13-6 lead. Noah Amenhauser soon came in at center and forced his will, scoring two straight baskets to make it 17-6 Beavers.

Turnovers and poor transition defense hurt OSU as the first half progressed, and Southern Utah rattled off a 6-0 run t

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