WBB | Senior Night: Oregon’s Second Half Explosion Propels the Ducks to a 96-78 Win Over USC.

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Today, the No. 2 Oregon Ducks took on the unranked, 15-12, USC Trojans in what proved to be a bounce back game for the women in white and green after their loss to UCLA on Friday. It was senior night at Matthew Knight Arena, but it was the sophomores and juniors who held onto the spotlight against the Trojans. Led by Sabrina Ionescu, Erin Boley and the return of injured Ruthy Hebard, the Ducks cruised to a 96 to 78 win at home.

The first half was a mix of highs and lows for Oregon but they ultimately entered the break ahead 40-36. The first quarter was a blur of fast and loose play from both sides. The frantic, up and down flow of the game favored the fast break reliant Trojans, who led 27 to 25 at the end of the first. The second quarter was an entirely different story, the Ducks locked down on the defensive end and only allowed 2 points through the first 8 minutes of the second quarter. Energized by the entrance of Ruthy Hebard early in the first quarter, Oregon out-hustled the Trojans on their way to a 4-point lead entering the break.

The second half started with a 10-0 flurry from the Ducks, but the Trojans answered with a 9-2 run of their own to pull back within 7. That was as close as USC would come for the rest of the game. Unconscious shooting from Erin Boley and a patented triple double from none other than the triple double queen herself, Sabrina Ionescu, ignited Oregon’s offense. The Ducks took off and never looked back. The lead hovered around 20 points for the rest of the game and with 54 seconds left, seniors Oti Gildon and Maite Cazorla exited and received a thunderous standing ovation from the crowd. A well-deserved thank you for all that they have done for the women’s basketball program and what they will continue to do as the Ducks chase after both a Pac-12 and a National Title.

This Friday, March 1st, Oregon will face the 7 seed Wildcats at 7:00 pm in Tucson Arizona in what will hopefully be another resounding win for the Ducks.

Written by, Cole Rothman

Audio Story: By Cole Rothman

Erin Boley and Sabrina Ionescu Post Game Audio:

Kelly Graves Post Game Audio: