Written by Yaniv Horenstein
EUGENE, Ore. — Oregon men’s basketball hosted the Tennessee State Tigers at Matthew Knight Arena on Friday. The Ducks came away with a 25-point win, improving to 3-0 on the season for the first time since 2019. The Ducks were once again without star center, N’Faly Dante, who missed his 2nd straight game with a sore hamstring. He’ll see a specialist on Monday in Chicago and could miss more time.
The first half was a battle and featured runs by both teams. Oregon had a productive offensive performance, scoring 48 points on 47% field goal. They dominated the paint, getting half their baskets from inside. Nate Bittle and Jesse Zarzuela were the scoring leaders going into the break, but Oregon’s points were spread out, with no Duck scoring in double digits.
Defensively, Oregon struggled at times in the first half, allowing TSU to score 40 points on 50% from the field. Tigers guard, EJ Bellinger, was their first-half scoring leader with 13 points, hitting five of his six shots, including three from behind the arc. However, the Ducks were staying aggressive, recording two blocks and five steals before the break. At the first-half buzzer, Jesse Zarzuela hit an AND-1 three-pointer, igniting the fans at MKA, and securing an eight-point halftime lead.
Whatever message Dana Altman gave his team at the half paid off. The Ducks exploded out the break, outscoring the Tigers, 44 to 27, in the second half. Oregon found their rhythm from behind the arc, and Jermaine Couisnard and Jesse Zarzuela knocked down their first long range shots of the season. The Ducks finished the game shooting 9 of 20 from deep. Oregon’s three-point efficiency has been lacking over the last few years and will be critical when they face tougher opponents this year.
Oregon’s ball movement was excellent, and the Ducks finished the game with 22 assists, their highest mark of the season. Keeshawn Barthelemy led the team in assists with six, and Zarzuela and Evans Jr. both had four. Each Duck was able to find shot opportunities, making it difficult for the opponent’s defense to find rhythm. Oregon shot the ball at their highest percentage this season from both the field and from behind the three-point line.
The score of the game fell in line with the rebound battle. In the first half, Tennessee State out rebounded the Ducks, 19 to 18, but the second half disrupted that pattern, and Oregon finished the game with ten more boards than the Tigers. Oregon benefits from their size inside, grabbing 12 offensive rebounds, leading to 15 second chance points.
Oregon took a hit with an injury to Nate Bittle. He did not play in the second half and was later seen on the bench wearing a brace on his left wrist. Mahamadou Diawara shined for the Ducks in Bittle’s absence, providing energy off the bench, and putting up eight points and five rebounds.
Oregon’s veteran experience shows with how well they take care of the basketball, only giving up eight turnovers. On the other end of the floor, they forced the Tigers to make mistakes, and capitalized by scoring 27 points off the Tigers 15 turnovers. Their defense still needs work, as they allowed Tennessee State to maintain their 50% field goal rate throughout the game. Luckily, their perimeter defense picked up after the break, and Tennessee State didn’t hit a single three in the second period. Oregon kept their offense flowing and were able to pull away from their competition.
The Ducks next game is across the country against Florida A&M on Monday. The Rattlers are 0-3 on the season, but have played all three games on the road, so the Ducks will face A&M in their home opener. The Ducks will look to stay undefeated and keep up this hot start to the season.
Audio Story by Tal Cohen