A highly anticipated top 10 matchup between the third-ranked Oregon Ducks and ninth-ranked Oregon State Beavers concluded in front of a sold-out Matthew Knight Arena as the Ducks topped the Beavers 77-68 to stay undefeated in conference play.
The Civil War got off to a quick start as both teams traded baskets in the early minutes. A mix Sabrina Ionescu lane penetration and efficient three-point shooting from Satou Sabally gave the Ducks an 18-13 lead at the end of the first quarter. In the second quarter, Oregon State kept themselves in the game against the offensively skilled Ducks behind guard, Aleah Goodman offensive prowess. The Ducks struggled to find good looks going to the hoop in the second half due to 6-8 center, Joanna Grymek. The Polish international gave Ruthy Hebard one of her toughest matchups of the year. Nevertheless, at the end of the first half, the Ducks still prevailed in the half 39-35.
The second half got underway with a bang as both squads put away shots down low in the first minute. In the last half of the third quarter, each team struggled on the offensive end until Ionescu drained a deep three which sent Matthew Knight Arena into a frenzy. Oregon gained their first double-digit lead of the game at the end on the third quarter as they went on top 56-46. Oregon State stayed composed in the fourth quarter, even pulling it to within six points with seven minutes to go in part due to Sabrina Ionescu taking a break on the bench for the first time in the game. The Ducks and Beavers traded baskets throughout the forth until the four minute mark when Satou Sabally hit a big shot from behind the arc giving the Ducks a 9 point lead. After that shot, Oregon State struggled to mount a comeback even behind Destiny Slocum’s heroics. The Ducks controlled the closing minutes of the game behind Ionescu’s clutch floaters as Kelly Graves squad came out on top 77-68.
Up Next: Oregon travels to Corvallis for the second game of the series on Monday night.
Game Story: Michael Abbott
Postgame Audio
Head Coach Kelly Graves, Sabrina Ionescu, and Ruthy Hebard