Beavers take on Huskers.

Byline: OSU MEN The Register-Guard

The Oregon State men's basketball team will try to build some momentum heading into the Pac-10 Conference season today.

The Beavers (1-5), coming off a 63-50 loss at Iowa State a week ago in the Pac-10/Big 12 Hardwood Series, play host to Nebraska (6-1) at 5 p.m. It will be the first of four straight nonconference games in Corvallis.

Although the Cornhuskers compete in the Big 12, today's matchup is not part of the Hardwood Series. Nebraska suffered its first loss of the season, 64-44, at the hands of No. 20 Arizona State last week.

The Cornhuskers' fast start can be attributed to their defense, which ranks eighth nationally and first in the Big 12 by limiting opponents to 53.3 points per game. Nebraska has not allowed a team to reach 65 points this season.

Steve Harley, a 5-foot-11 senior guard, leads the Husker offense with 12.6 points per game, the only Nebraska player to average in double figures. Paul Verlander, a 6-2 senior guard, adds 8.7 points off the bench.

OSU features a balanced attack with Daniel Deane, a 6-8 sophomore forward, topping the squad at 10.0 points per game, followed by 6-3 junior Josh Tarver (9.8), 6-2 senior Rickey Claitt (9.7) and 6-11 junior Roeland Schaftenaar (9.2).

Claitt, who is shooting .594 from the floor, including .438 from three-point range, stands fifth in the Pac-10 with a 1.7 assist-turnover ratio. Seth Tarver, a 6-5 junior, leads the league in shooting at .677 (21-of-31).

Today's game will be televised by FSN with former OSU point guard Lamar Hurd providing sideline commentary.

The Beavers' next three games are at home: Seattle Pacific on Tuesday; a rematch with Howard on Dec. 20; and Seattle on Dec. 29. They'll also open the conference season at home against No. 16 UCLA on Jan. 2 and USC on Jan. 4.