Game Story: Austin Ota

In a final tuneup before the start of PAC-12 play, the Oregon Ducks battled against UC Riverside in a game that was not decided until the final minute. They rode an extremely efficient first half and successes in one-on-one defense in the second half to a 71-65 victory.

The night started extremely hot for the Ducks, as they began the contest without a miss for the first eight minutes of the game. Both teams finished the first half shooting above 60 percent from the field, yet the five point Oregon lead at the half was due to Oregon shooting 55 percent from three in the first half. This was highlighted by both guard De’Vion Harmon and forward Quincy Guerrier hitting two big deep range shots a piece. A key component to the Ducks first half success was their ability to stay out of foul trouble, as they only committed three fouls as a team, not allowing the Highlanders to shoot a free throw. They finished the first half ahead, 42-37.

Contrasting their scorching first half play, the Ducks came out cold in the second half, and with 9 minutes to go, Highlanders Dominick Pickett hit a three pointer over his defender to give Riverside its first lead since 19:03 in the first half. All seemed to be going well for the Highlanders in the second half, with Pickett seemingly getting any shot he wanted to go down. That is, until the stifling Ducks defense forced three straight airballed three point attempts, followed by clutch mid-range shots from Will Richardson and Jacob Young. With continued dominance in on ball defense for the rest of the game, Oregon finished the game with an impressive 71-65 win over an equally impressive UC Riverside team.

The Ducks will begin PAC-12 play this weekend, as the Arizona State Sun Devils fly north to Eugene. Oregon will have their work cut out for them, as Arizona State was extremely competitive in an early season game against these same Highlanders, but though they have put up a fight in most of their contests, have not won since November 15th. Hungry for a win, expect the Sun Devils to come out guns blazing against a vulnerable Ducks team.

Audio Story: Austin Ota

Postgame Audio

Dana Altman

Eric Williams