KWVA Sports – Jan 26, 2023
MATTHEW KNIGHT ARENA
EUGENE, OREGON
Written Story by Owen Johnson
The Oregon Ducks (13-9) entered tonight needing a win against a Utah (15-8) team that had won 3 in a row. In Matthew Knight Arena, they put on an impressive defensive showcase, holding Utah to only 56. In their 68-56 victory over the visiting Utes, they utilized impressive depth, showing that this Oregon team is not reliant on one player or scheme. With 6 players scoring over 5 points, the entire roster seemed to click into formation tonight. With a hard road ahead, this revitalization could not have come at a more opportune time. The Ducks had the advantage throughout the entire game, maintaining a ten-point lead for the majority of the 2nd half. Utah was unable to get things rolling offensively, with many of their points coming from lapses in rebounding from Oregon’s defense. Oregon is beginning to look like a solid unit, with some serious upset potential come February.
The story of this game was the balance Oregon was able to have despite multiple substitutions. Senior N’Faly Dante (#1) and Sophomore Nate Bittle (#32) traded off center duty throughout the night, and both managed to have impact without overuse becoming a concern. Dante was able to get 10 rebounds (4 offensive) on just 21 minutes. Dante has had injury concerns, and finding a happy medium where he is able to impact the game without risking himself will prove crucial. To solve this problem, Bittle has stepped up tremendously. The past few games, he’s proven himself as a bit of a defensive juggernaut, with 6 rebounds, 3 blocks and a steal as well as putting up 9 points on 4-6 shooting. His ability to create space in the middle as well as being a consistent shooting threat even from deep makes him a valuable asset that can do a lot for the versatility of this team. Tonight’s MVP, however, was Senior Guard Jermaine Couisnard (#5) who was incredibly impressive tonight. Contributing 18 points on 7 of 14 shooting, he led the game in points scored while also being a crucial defensive piece and consistently creating scoring opportunities for his team. He put up good stats in every category, and seemed to lead the team forward to their victory. On Utah’s side, Center Branden Carlson (#35) and Guard Lazar Stefanovic (#20) were the only offensive bright spots for the team. It was a hard fought game with several sloppy moments, but in the end Oregon was able to make the most of an uncharacteristically slow Utah offense and prevented them from getting a foot in the door for the entire 2nd half of the game, while keeping the pressure high throughout.
Oregon isn’t quite out of the woods yet, however. This was a game that, despite it being a solid win, merely demonstrated expectations. To stay competitive for a possible March Madness bid, they will need to continue this form and play even harder against tough opponents such as Arizona and UCLA. With a game against Arizona on the road coming up this Thursday, they will have to maintain their momentum and hope to sweep the Wildcats. It will come down to their depth as well as the core of their roster performing well. Oregon has suffered from some inconsistencies thus far in the season, and if they are going to make a push it will have to start now.
Audio story by Owen Johnson