Hungalu's three takeaways lead OSU defense

Saturday, November 12

Pasadena, Calif.

6:00 PM

Oregon State

2-8 , 1-6

UCLA

4-6 , 2-5

1st

2nd

3rd

4th

Oregon State

UCLA

Manase Hungalu had three takeaways against UCLA.

Photo by: Karl Maasdam/Oregon State Athletics

November 12, 2016 | Football

Box Score Game notes Highlights Stats Post-Game Notes Stats Summary

By: Athletic Communications

PASADENA, Calif. – Junior linebacker Manase Hungalu recovered two fumbles, leading to two OSU touchdowns, and intercepted a pass in the end zone to stop a scoring threat on Saturday in Oregon State's 38-24 loss to UCLA at the Rose Bowl.

Freshman tailback Artavis Pierce gained a career-high 73 yards on 18 carries and scored his first career touchdowns to pace the offense. Redshirt sophomore quarterback Marcus McMaryion was 22-for-33 for 232 yards, with one interception.

It was the fifth loss in a row for the Beavers (2-8, 1-6 Pac-12) and their first this season against a team with a losing record. OSU's other setbacks were all against bowl-eligible opponents.

"It was a very tough loss, for a lot of reasons," OSU coach Gary Andersen said. " Manase had an unbelievable game and the defense continued to fight and battle. He can make some plays with his legs when he gets an opportunity.

"The defense fought and played hard. They are far from perfect but they are going to line up and battle. They kept on fighting and battling. We played coverage pretty well. We have to keep fighting and battling."

The Beavers were within 31-24 late in the fourth quarter before a 40-yard interception return for a touchdown established an insurmountable two-possession lead.

OSU started quickly, as Hungalu recovered a fumble on UCLA's (4-6, 2-5) second play of the game and returned it 31 yards to the 3-yard line. Pierce plowed over from a yard out two plays later for his third touchdown of the fall and OSU led 7-0 with 13:36 left in the first quarter.

UCLA responded with 21 unanswered points but the Beavers drew within 21-14 when Pierce scored on a 3-yard run with 7:26 left in the second quarter. It was set up by Rahmel Dockery's 39-yard misdirection punt return.

Hungalu's second fumble recovery resulted in a 41-yard scoop-and-score that drew the Beavers within 24-21 with 8:39 left in the third quarter. It was OSU's first fumble return for a touchdown since Rashaad Reynolds had two in the 2013 Hawaii Bowl win over Boise State.

UCLA responded with 21 unanswered points but the Beavers drew within 21-14 when Pierce scored on a 3-yard run with 7:26 left in the second quarter. It was set up by Rahmel Dockery's 39-yard misdirection punt return.

It was the first career start for Pierce, a graduate of Auburndale High School in Lake Alfred, Fla. His former career high was 61 yards at Colorado on Oct. 8, and he now has 380 yards on 76 carries for the season.

Freshman Andrzej Hughes-Murray had a team-high eight tackles, one for loss. Freshman linebacker Shemiah Unutoa-Whitson added six.

The Beavers resume Pac-12 action against Arizona at Reser Stadium on Nov. 19. The Pac-12 is expected to announce the starting time and television information on Sunday.

For information on season tickets, including access to The Terrace, please contact the OSU ticket office at 1-800-GO-BEAVS during weekday business hours or beavertickets.com

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