A matchup between Oregon State and Loyola-Chicago kicked off the Sweet 16 round in the NCAA Tournament with both teams competing down to the wire.

Despite a late-game comeback by Loyola-Chicago, Oregon State was able to force the upset to advance to the Elite Eight.

Saturday's contest began with both teams struggling to find ways to score points with the halftime score being 24-16 in favor of Oregon State. While Loyola-Chicago was able to cut the deficit late in the second half, their inability to convert three-point shots led to their demise in the tournament.

Throughout the game, Loyola-Chicago made only five of their 23 three-point attempts as Lucas Williamson made only two of his eight attempts from beyond the arc. Even though Oregon State made five three-point shots themselves, they only took 13 shots from deep, and they were able to make a modest 41.2 percent of their field goals.

It was Ethan Thompson who led the way for Oregon State with a game-high 22 points, four rebounds, and four assists.

Warith Alatishe was the only other member of Oregon State to score double-digit points as he also contributed 11 rebounds.

On the other side of the court, Cameron Krutwig delivered 14 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists for Loyola-Chicago. But Krutwig's efforts weren't enough as his teammates were unable to make shots from outside. Oregon State dared the Ramblers to make perimeter shots, and they couldn't.

Entering Saturday's game, Loyola Chicago — who was a No. 8 seed — was favored to beat No. 12 seed Oregon State.

However, after a great defensive effort from OSU, the Beavers will face the winner of Syracuse and Houston in the Elite Eight.

Oregon State is just the second No. 12 seed to make the Elite Eight. The only other 12 seed to go this deep in the NCAA Tournament was Missouri in 2002. Before he coached the Utah Jazz, Quin Snyder guided Mizzou to the West Regional final in San Jose. The Tigers lost to Kelvin Sampson and Oklahoma.

OSU, as the 12 seed, could meet Kelvin Sampson on Monday if Houston beats Syracuse.