The Oregon Ducks were stunned by the UCLA Bruins at Mathew Knight Arena Thursday night, in what could be a pivotal game to begin conference play for both sides. In front of 10,105 fans a  depleted Dana Altman squad were defeated by an up-and-coming UCLA squad 87-84 in overtime.

UCLA got off to a strong start from the field, at one point making nine of ten shots in a row, en-route to an early 22-17 lead. Due to early foul trouble, the Ducks had to sit both Paul White and Louis King. However, this proved to be a catalyst for a Duck squad that has sorely needed a spark. Once Altman went to a 4-guard set up of Pritchard, Amin, Bailey Jr., and Richardson, Oregon was able to put together a 14-5 run to end the half to take a 39-32 lead into the locker-room.

In the second half, Bailey Jr. came out firing, making his first two three-point attempts to take his total for the night to 14 points. Ehab Amin was a presence on defense all night, with a game high five steals. The Ducks were able to stretch their lead to a game high 14 points midway through the second half. Even though they struggled from the line, going 14-24, the Ducks were able to force 23 turnovers by the Bruins. But UCLA would come roaring back.

With under a minute to play Oregon lead by With Oregon up 80-78 Chris Smith made a layup and was fouled in the process tying the game at 80. He missed the ensuing free throw, taking the game to overtime. The game headed into overtime, with Victor Bailey Jr, scoring the first points of extra time. UCLA would then go on a small 6-4 run to begin overtime. With under a minute remaining, Pritchard missed a contested three, and with the Ducks already losing they had to foul. Moses Brown missed his second free-throw attempt, but the Ducks weren’t able to make a game tying three, losing 87-84 in overtime.

A season high in points, 22 for Louis King, lead all scorers. Victory Bailey Jr. had 20 points, and Paul White chipped in a season-high 16 for the Ducks. Prince Ali led UCLA in scoring with 22, and Kris Wilkes had 16.

UP NEXT: The Ducks will hope to rebound against USC at Mathew Knight at 5 pm on Sunday

Game Story: (By: Bill Braker)

Post-game Audio

Head Coach Dana Altman