The Beavers and Ducks have both had their fair share of NCAA Men's Basketball tournament appearances, especially the Beavs. But never in the same year until now.

Oregon State makes NCAA tournament (Getty Images)
Oregon State makes NCAA tournament (Getty Images)
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With Oregon grabbing it's first ever NCAA basketball #1 regional seed, and Oregon State grabbing the #7 slot, it's the first time both universities have ever made the Big Dance in the same year. And, both are slated to begin play in the West Region this weekend.

Oregon State, coming off a quiet 19-12 season, are making their first appearance in 16 years. Prior to that however, under legendary coach Ralph Miller, the Beavers were almost an annual visitor to the tournament in the 1980's.

Oregon steamrolled through the Pac-12, including a 30-plus point whitewash of Utah in the Conference Tournament Championship game. The 28-6 Ducks, who's previous best seed was a #2 in 2002, won both the Pac-12 regular season title and tournament title for the first time in school history.

Oregon will play either 14-19 Holy Cross, who won the Patriot League title, or Southern University in the First Round in Spokane Friday.

Oregon State will open vs. #10 seed Virginia Commonwealth Friday in Oklahoma City. The Beavers are led by former Montana and NBA player Coach Wayne Tinkle, who at one time spent a season or two with the old Tri-City Chinook in the Continental Basketball Association (CBA) before the team folded in 1993. Their point guard is Gary Payton II, who's father also led the Beavers to the NCAA tourney before becoming a standout with the Seattle SuperSonics.

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