“I just seen the way they was guarding me from 3, that was mad disrespectful,” TJ Bamba, Tuesday’s leading scorer, said after another Oregon win. “So I said it’s over, I’m snapping out of this.”
Bamba and the Ducks’ transfer seniors got all they could eat against the Huskies in the 82-71 victory at Matthew Knight Arena.
Oregon (16-3, 5-3 Big Ten) knows it is going to get Washington’s best shot no matter the ranking and no matter the sport. After falling to Purdue in their last home game, the Ducks looked to carry over their defensive performance while finding better shots. The 82-71 victory over the Huskies (10-9, 1-7 Big Ten) proved to be another competitive classic.
Nate Bittle and the Oregon big men had their work cut out for them, facing the $2 million man, Great Osobor, who transferred to Washington from Utah State, receiving the largest reported NIL deal seen yet in college basketball.
Washington’s first half was nothing if not physical, throwing bodies around to prevent easy paint entry. The fast and physical approach from Washington seemed to catch the Ducks off guard right from the tip. The lackluster first half from the Ducks set the need for a change at halftime, and the team needed to step up on the offensive side of the floor.
While struggling to find good looks, especially in the paint, the Ducks gave up eight first-half turnovers — a dissatisfying first-half toll as their per-game average sits at 11.7 on the season. The Ducks secured the ball much better in the second half, finishing the game with just 10 total turnovers.
“Our guys feel like if we just stay after it, we can find a way to pull a game out,” head coach Dana Altman commented on the contributions from his seniors. “That’s experience.”
In the second half, the Ducks came out with significantly more energy, looking to outrun a Huskies team without much depth in the rotation. The defensive tenacity showed more veteran persistence and aggressiveness.
Bamba, the Villanova transfer, was feeling it tonight with three 3-pointers and 21 points, showing up with his highest-scoring game since his 22-point outing in the win versus San Diego State. Bamba had some struggles shooting the ball in the last month, so this game felt like a weight off his shoulders.
“I just had to see one go in,” Bamba said about his hot night.
Bamba was fired up after the win, complimenting the team’s defensive effort and group performance compared to the loss against Purdue. Bamba raised his Big Ten ninth-best 1.6 steals per game with four steals tonight, marking back-to-back games with four steals.
“I feel like I’m the best defensive player in the Big Ten,” Bamba claimed. “Just trying to get that spark wherever I can.”
When the game came down to the wire with five minutes left, Bittle’s four fouls posed a concern, so Oregon turned to Supreme Cook for crucial minutes off the bench and he delivered, finishing the game with 13 points and converting on seven free throws.
“Supreme is a monster,” said Brandon Angel. “The physicality he brings can definitely change the game.”
Cook wasn’t the only big man getting involved today. The transfer forward Angel scored 15 points on an efficient 7-for-10 attempts on Tuesday. Angel’s safe shot selection and defensive prowess have made him an elite addition to Altman’s squad. The senior from San Diego has proved he deserves premier minutes and is a top difference-maker for this team.
Aside from being Oregon’s top three leading scorers tonight, Bamba, Cook, and Angel were all acquisitions in the transfer portal this spring. The three seniors combined for 405 total games played in the NCAA. Their impact in a close game like this one proves the invaluable quality that is experience. Oregon is building confidence in itself and in each other at the right time of the season.
The Ducks hope to keep the spotlight on their senior studs during their next game at the University of Minnesota on Saturday, Jan. 25 at 1:00 p.m.