By: Spencer Orofino and AJ Untermeyer
Despite coming off a huge victory over Arizona, Oregon came out flat against Arizona State in Sunday night’s game. Despite poor play, Oregon was able to hang onto a 68-65 victory and extend their perfect home record to 12-0 this season.
Although there was momentum coming into tonight’s match-up, low energy and poor communication contributed to a slow and sloppy game.
“The plays never really got going, that energy level never really got going, and there never really seemed to be a rhythm to the game,” says Oregon coach Dana Altman.
The Ducks percentage from the field was below average at 40.7% not allowing a decisive lead at any point during the game. Coach Altman contributes the win to dominance from the free-throw line, and a turn around in the rebound game;
“We found a way to win. I’m very pleased with the way we stepped up and hit free throws, we also turned the rebounding around down the stretch.”
The only spark of momentum came in the first half when turnovers by Arizona State gave Oregon extra possessions offensively and with improved ball flow, were able to capitalize and leave for the half with a 32-28 lead.
The rhythm didn’t carry over into the second half, as the game continued to stay close, neither team taking more than a 7-point lead. A dunk by Oregon’s Arsalan Kazemi with 2:32 remaining brought up the game’s intensity and gave the Ducks a lead that they held onto to until the games 68-65 finish.
With this victory, Oregon leads the Pac-12 standings and will travel to U.S.C. to take on the Trojans on Thursday.
AJ Untermeyer Reports From Matthew Knight Arena: Click Here to Listen
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