The Oregon Ducks men’s basketball team (21-8, 10-8 Big Ten) hosted the USC Trojans (14-15, 6-12 Big Ten) on Saturday for a late season Big Ten clash. Second half 3-pointers were the key to success in the matchup, leading Oregon to a dominant 82-61 win. The lopsided score did not reflect the entirety of the game, as the Ducks started down by 11, but were able to overcome by 21. 

The Ducks stepped onto the court fresh off a 77-73 overtime win against No. 11 Wisconsin last Saturday. After a four-game losing streak, the Ducks were able to regain their momentum, and have now achieved five consecutive victories in Big Ten play. 

Key contributions from center Nate Bittle played a crucial role in the Oregon victory, as he put up 15 points and remained aggressive on defense. 

“I thought our activity was good and Nate was phenomenal,” head coach Dana Altman said. “Second half, he owned the paint. He blocked five shots and just did a great job. That’s a really good defensive job.”  

Guards Jackson Shelstad and Keeshawn Barthelemy also paved the way for the victory. The two were responsible for seven out of 10 of the Ducks’ 3-pointers and together tallied 39 points for Oregon.  

“Those two guards were the only guys in double figures when we played at their place,” Altman said. “They had the advantage of the size of the guards, but I thought our quickness at the guard spots gave us control.” 

The game remained a neck-and-neck battle until the final 10-minute stretch, when a 13-0 Duck run turned the faceoff into a runway. Relentless defensive pressure gave no room for the Trojans to put any numbers up. 

“Defensively, we really locked in. I can’t remember what they shot in the second half, but it wasn’t a very high percentage. Credit to Nate, he challenged a lot of shots,” Shelstad said. “We did a better job on boards, preventing them from getting o-boards. Offensively, we’re just moving the ball more and we’re just hitting open shots.” 

The energetic crowd contributed significantly to the intensity and electrifying performance from the Ducks. 

“It was amazing seeing the crowd we had today, and you know, they were behind our back, ” Shelstad said. “We went on a run and that was as loud as I’ve heard it all season in here.” 

Next up, the Ducks will host the Indiana Hoosiers on Tuesday for senior night.