Cardinal hold off Beavers

STANFORD, Calif. – Josh Huestis has been Stanford’s most dependable basketball player all year, and that doesn’t take into account his offensive production. He’s such a presence on defense that any scoring is a bonus.

Huestis hit a key basket among his 16 points and then made a key block in the final minute as Stanford held off Oregon State 81-73 Sunday.

“I’ll take the blocked shot over scoring because it does so much for the team,” Huestis said. “It helps us defensively by stopping them from scoring and gives us another opportunity to go on offense. Defense is a huge part of our game.”

Chasson Randle scored 20 points for the Cardinal (14-8, 5-4 Pac-12), who have won three in a row and five of their last seven. Dwight Powell added 14 points and John Gage scored 12.

Joe Burton had 17 points and 10 rebounds for the Beavers (12-10, 1-8 Pac-12). Roberto Nelson scored 20 points and Ahmad Starks scored 15.