In a pulsating finale to the 2025 Paradise Jam tournament, the UMass Minutemen outlasted the Oregon State Beavers 73-65, capping off a gritty performance fueled by standout forward Daniel Hankins-Sanford’s career-high 24 points and 11 rebounds. The victory not only secured the tournament title for UMass but also injected new life into their college basketball season amid early challenges.
Daniel Hankins-Sanford Emerges as UMass‘s Unstoppable Force
Daniel Hankins-Sanford stepped into the spotlight like never before, delivering a double-double that propelled the Minutemen to glory in the Paradise Jam. The junior forward, who transferred to UMass from a junior college program last season, showcased his versatility with a blend of inside dominance and perimeter shooting. His 24 points came on efficient 9-of-14 shooting, including two three-pointers that silenced Oregon State’s interior defense. But it was his 11 rebounds—seven offensive—that truly turned the tide, giving UMass second-chance opportunities they capitalized on repeatedly.
“I’ve been working on my consistency all offseason,” Hankins-Sanford said post-game, his voice still hoarse from the on-court battles. “This feels like a breakthrough. The team believed in me, and I just wanted to reward that faith.” His performance marked the highest scoring output of his UMass career, surpassing his previous best of 18 points against a mid-major opponent earlier in the non-conference slate. For a program like UMass, which has struggled to find reliable scoring wings in recent years, Hankins-Sanford’s emergence is a game-changer.
Statistically, his impact was profound. Hankins-Sanford blocked two shots and drew four fouls on Oregon State big men, disrupting their rhythm. In a tournament known for its high-stakes matchups in the Virgin Islands’ idyllic setting, his poise under pressure echoed the resilience UMass coach Frank Martin has preached since taking over. Martin’s post-game embrace of his star player spoke volumes: “Daniel’s not just a player; he’s the heart of this team now.”
The Paradise Jam, a staple of college basketball’s early-season tournaments, has launched careers before—think of past champions like the 2019 Virginia Tech Hokies. For Hankins-Sanford, this could be the moment that puts him on NBA scouts’ radars, especially with his athleticism and improving shot mechanics drawing comparisons to mid-first-round prospects.
Minutemen’s Bench Depth Overwhelms Beavers’ Starters
While Hankins-Sanford stole the show, UMass’s bench proved to be the unsung hero in their 73-65 defeat of Oregon State. The Minutemen’s reserves outscored the Beavers’ bench 28-15, a margin that highlighted UMass’s superior rotation depth in this college basketball clash. Guards like sophomore point guard Jaylen Curry contributed 12 points off the pine, including a crucial three-pointer that extended the lead to double digits in the third quarter.
UMass coach Frank Martin rotated nine players effectively, avoiding the fatigue that plagued Oregon State in the latter stages. “Our bench is our secret weapon,” Martin noted. “These kids practice like starters, and tonight they played like it.” Curry’s energy was infectious, as he dished out four assists while committing just one turnover, stabilizing the offense during starter rests.
In contrast, Oregon State’s starters, led by guard Jordan Pope’s 18 points, bore the brunt of the workload. The Beavers, coming off a 9-23 season in 2024, showed flashes of potential but couldn’t match UMass’s energy reserves. Pope, a sophomore transfer from Cal State Northridge, was efficient from the free-throw line, going 8-of-9, but his team faltered in transition defense, allowing UMass 14 fast-break points.
The Paradise Jam’s format—featuring four teams in a round-robin style—tested endurance, and UMass’s depth shone through. They shot 47% from the field overall, compared to Oregon State’s 42%, and held a 38-32 rebounding edge. This victory marks UMass’s first tournament title since 2018, a morale booster as they head into Atlantic 10 play.
Oregon State’s Second-Half Surge Falls Just Short
Oregon State refused to go quietly, mounting a fierce second-half rally that kept the Paradise Jam final nail-biting until the final buzzer. Trailing by 15 at halftime, the Beavers clawed back to within four points with under five minutes remaining, thanks to a 22-10 run sparked by forward Kwame Evans Jr.’s athletic dunks and timely steals.
“We knew we had to pick up the intensity,” Oregon State coach Wayne Tinkle said. “Our guys showed fight, but UMass’s experience won out.” Evans Jr., a highly touted freshman, finished with 14 points and eight rebounds, his versatility evident in switchable defense that troubled UMass’s ball-handlers. Yet, turnovers—12 in total for the Beavers—proved costly, as UMass converted them into 18 points.
The game’s turning point came at the 7:32 mark when Oregon State narrowed the gap to 58-54 on a Pope three-pointer. But Hankins-Sanford answered with a putback dunk, followed by a Curry steal and score, restoring order. Oregon State’s shooting cooled from beyond the arc in the closing minutes, hitting just 2-of-8 in the fourth quarter, while UMass’s free-throw accuracy (22-of-25) sealed the deal.
For the Beavers, this loss stings in a rebuilding year. With a revamped roster featuring transfers and freshmen, they entered the Paradise Jam with hopes of momentum. Instead, it exposed defensive lapses, particularly in containing Hankins-Sanford, who drew double-teams late but still found ways to score.
Key Plays and Strategies That Defined the Paradise Jam Showdown
The 73-65 battle between UMass and Oregon State was a chess match of strategies, with pivotal plays underscoring the intensity of college basketball at its best. UMass jumped out to an early 12-2 lead, capitalizing on Oregon State’s cold start from the field (1-of-9 in the opening minutes). A timeout from Tinkle shifted momentum, but UMass’s zone defense—deployed sparingly but effectively—forced eight turnovers in the first half alone.
One unforgettable sequence unfolded midway through the second quarter: Hankins-Sanford blocked a Evans Jr. layup, sparking a fast break that ended with a Curry alley-oop slam. The crowd in the U.S. Virgin Islands erupted, sensing UMass’s command. Statistically, UMass’s 14 assists on 26 made baskets highlighted their ball movement, contrasting Oregon State’s isolation-heavy approach.
Defensively, the Minutemen limited Oregon State to 65 points, their lowest output in the tournament. Martin’s emphasis on rebounding paid dividends; UMass grabbed 12 offensive boards, leading to 16 second-chance points. Oregon State, meanwhile, struggled with perimeter defense, allowing UMass to shoot 40% from three (8-of-20).
In the broader context of the Paradise Jam, this matchup pitted two programs seeking identity. UMass, with a 5-2 record entering the final, used the tournament to gel, while Oregon State (4-3) aimed to build chemistry. Quotes from players post-game revealed the emotional stakes: “This win is for our fans back home,” Curry shared, underscoring the Minutemen’s underdog spirit.
Attendance at the Paradise Jam—around 2,500 per game—added to the electric atmosphere, with local fans cheering both teams’ efforts. For college basketball enthusiasts, this game exemplified the tournament’s role in showcasing rising talents like Hankins-Sanford and Evans Jr.
UMass’s Paradise Jam Win Signals Strong Momentum for A-10 Campaign
As the confetti fell in the Paradise Jam arena, UMass’s 73-65 victory over Oregon State positioned the Minutemen for an optimistic run through the Atlantic 10 conference. With this title in hand, UMass improves to 6-2 overall, their only losses to powerhouses like No. 12 Auburn and a ranked Big Ten foe. The momentum from Hankins-Sanford’s breakout could propel them toward a top-four seed in the A-10 tournament come March.
Looking ahead, UMass faces a gauntlet: road games at Dayton and home against Rhode Island, where depth and defense will be tested. Martin’s squad has shown versatility, ranking in the top 100 nationally in rebounding margin (+5.2 per game). If Hankins-Sanford maintains this form—averaging 16.5 points and 9 rebounds in the tournament—UMass could flirt with an NCAA Tournament berth, their first since 2014.
For Oregon State, the loss tempers expectations but highlights areas for growth. Returning to the West Coast Conference slate at 4-4, the Beavers must refine their half-court offense to compete with teams like Gonzaga. Tinkle remains bullish: “This experience will make us tougher.”
In the ever-competitive landscape of college basketball, tournaments like the Paradise Jam serve as proving grounds. UMass’s triumph not only boosts their resume but also reignites fan passion in Amherst. As the season unfolds, watch for the Minutemen to carry this island magic back to the mainland, potentially shaking up the A-10 standings.
The broader implications extend to recruiting: Wins like this attract high school prospects eyeing programs with championship pedigrees. UMass’s staff is already leveraging the Paradise Jam footage, with Hankins-Sanford’s highlights going viral on social media. For a mid-major like UMass, this is the blueprint for sustained success—blend emerging stars with strategic depth, and the upsets will follow.
