Written Story by Jakob Salao

Eugene, Ore. -- The Oregon Ducks Men’s Basketball team (15-10) beat the USC Trojans (17-7) at home on Thursday 78-60. This was the first and only matchup between both teams this season and was home to one of the most electrifying crowds in Oregon sports this year. 

Towards the end of this season, the Ducks have been trying to make a case for a spot in the NCAA tournament and this impressive win is only improving their resume. Last season, the Ducks split the series against the Trojans 1-1, losing at home to a game-winning dagger from Drew Peterson. It left a sour taste in the Ducks’ mouths; players and fans alike. Although it wasn’t the sole reason Oregon missed the tournament, it certainly didn’t help. 

During this year’s matchup, it felt like every Duck in Matthew Knight Arena was giving it their all to win the game, including the Oregon student section. It’s no secret that MKA is a tough place for opposing teams to win in, but tonight was extraordinary. The crowd was thunderous throughout the entire game whenever Oregon was on defense and it clearly rattled the Trojans throughout the contest. 

The Ducks started hot in the first half. Despite winning the initial tip-off, Oregon and USC traded blows for the first few minutes. A few misses from both teams, and a few makes, but it seemed like either team could jump ahead once the other made a mistake, and the Trojans were the first to falter. After Drew Peterson missed a free throw for the Trojans, Quincy Guerrier was able to rebound it and lob it up for Freshman Center Kel’el Ware to slam it down emphatically. From here, the Ducks continued to pile on to their lead while the Trojans struggled to keep up. Despite coming into this game as the lower-ranked team in the Pac-12, Oregon never trailed in the first half. It felt like they couldn’t miss as the team shot 55% from the field and an impressive 45% from 3. The Ducks went into halftime with a commanding 42-27 lead. 

The second half started off with much of the same. With a safe 15-point lead to kick off the second half, it seemed like the game was all but the Ducks’. And it was. The Trojans had stretches of offensive playmaking, but Oregon was able to continue their lead to the end of the game with physical dominance on both ends of the court. Players like Peterson or Boogie Ellis would be able to make a shot, much to the loathing of the crowd, but Oregon would answer back immediately. And the crowd would let the Trojans know any time they made a mistake. You don’t see many shot clock violations in basketball, but USC turned the ball over on one and a “Drew, you suck” chant rained onto the court as Will Richardson took the ball the other way for a layup and was fouled for free throws after. The momentum was enough for the Ducks to coast to close out the game. 

Oregon ended the game shooting 54% from the field and 33% from 3 compared to USC’s 41% from the field and 25% from 3. The Ducks' physicality also contributed to their rebound margin, out-rebounding the Trojans 34-27. 

Center N’Faly Dante was leading the Ducks on both ends of the court. If you were in the crowd, you’d think that every play he made was a highlight from the reactions of the crowd. Thunderous applause rained down when he’d get a block, and the arena exploded when he would take it the other way for a surprisingly quick spin-move layup. Dante finished the game with 17 points on 8/11 shooting, 5 rebounds, and 3 blocks. 

Just behind Dante, Will Richardson scored 16 points on 4/6 shooting, including 2/4 from 3. He also led the team by adding 6 rebounds and 9 assists.

For USC, players like Drew Peterson and Boogie Ellis wouldn’t go out without a fight. Despite the tough defense and jeers from the crowd, Peterson ended with 11 points, 2 assists with 2 steals, and Ellis put up a team-high 19 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists.

The Oregon Ducks continue their bid for the NCAA tournament against UCLA at home on Saturday 2/11 at 7 pm. 

Audio Story by Jasmine Saboorian

Postgame Audios: