Oregon State forward Michael Rataj named WCC Player of the Week

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — For the third time this season, Oregon State men’s basketball player Michael Rataj has been named the West Coast Conference’s Player of the Week.

Last week, Rataj had two 20-point outings and two double-doubles to help the Beavers defeat Pepperdine and San Diego. He scored 25 points and 12 rebounds in an 84-78 victory against the Waves on Thursday, then 29 points and 10 rebounds in an 83-73 victory over the Toreros on Saturday, helping the Beavers earn their 20th win of the season.

Rataj’s performance this week in their two victories saw him shooting 76% at the foul line, 60% from beyond the arc, and 57% from the field.

Rataj is the only Beaver since Gary Payton (1989–1990) to win three conference weekly awards in a single season.

Rataj is currently averaging 17.8 points per game, 7.6 rebounds, 2.1 assists and shooting just over 50% from the field. In terms of scoring and grabbing rebounds, Rataj leads the Beavers in both and is second in the WCC in those categories. 

Oregon State will play their final home game against San Francisco (22-7) on Feb 26 at 8 p.m. before heading to California to finish the season.