Oregon women’s basketball advanced to their second consecutive Elite Eight with a 83-69 victory over No. 11 Central Michigan in Spokane on Saturday afternoon. Much of the responsibility was placed on the back of sophomore Ruthy Hebard, who finished with 23 points and 14 rebounds and was nearly unstoppable all day. Central Michigan came into the Sweet 16 off an upset versus Ohio State that saw them hit 14 threes, but the Chippewas couldn’t buy one in the first half, going a dismal 3-14. Oregon’s own offense started slow, going 1-5 in the opening minutes, but would finish the first half shooting 50% and holding a 40-25 lead. Central Michigan came out of the halftime break firing, hitting four of their six three point attempts and pulling within single digits several times. But Oregon wouldn’t relinquish their lead, always having an answer inside the paint, where they dominated in points 42-24 on the game. The Chippewas couldn’t muster enough responses of their own, as the Ducks toyed around with a 20-point lead in the fourth quarter before finally putting Central Michigan away 83-69. The win secures Oregon’s spot in Monday night’s regional final, where they’ll meet No. 1 seed Notre Dame for a spot in the Final Four.

Ducks Out-Muscle Central Michigan in Sweet 16 (by Alex Castle)