On Tuesday, January 21st, the No. 15 ranked Oregon Ducks secured a hard-fought 82-71 victory over their archrival, the Washington Huskies, at Matthew Knight Arena. While the final score suggests a comfortable win, this game was anything but easy. In true rivalry fashion, the contest was a back-and-forth battle, complete with 18 lead changes and intense play from start to finish.
A Rivalry Game to Remember
The Huskies came out firing, building an early eight-point lead thanks to aggressive defense and strong shooting. But the Ducks, showing resilience and grit, clawed their way back to take a narrow 34-32 lead into halftime. For much of the game, the margin stayed razor-thin, with neither team able to pull away.
It wasn’t until the final minutes of the second half that Oregon made its move. The Ducks went on a decisive late-game run, fueled by clutch defensive stops and efficient offense, to finally put their rivals away and secure a statement victory.
Standout Performances: Ducks Win by Committee
Despite off nights from Oregon’s top scorers, the Ducks proved once again that they are a team that thrives on depth and contributions from across the roster.
• T.J. Bamba, Oregon’s standout guard, led the charge with a game-high 21 points. He shot an efficient 8-for-14 from the field, hit three three-pointers, and added four steals in a stellar all-around performance.
• Forward Brandon Angel, a transfer from Stanford, provided crucial support with 15 points on 7-for-10 shooting. His ability to step up in key moments was instrumental in Oregon’s victory.
• Forward Supreme Cook delivered an impressive 13 points despite playing just 12 minutes. His ability to get to the free-throw line (7-for-9) gave Oregon a critical edge.
• Guard Keeshawn Barthelemy chipped in 11 points, shooting 4-for-6 from the field and making timely plays when the Ducks needed them most.
While Nathan Bittle scored seven points on 3-for-8 shooting and Jackson Shelstad added 11 points while shooting 4-for-8 from the field, both had off nights. However, Shelstad was one of five Ducks who stepped up and scored in double figures, highlighting Oregon’s depth and versatility. The Ducks’ ability to rely on contributions from across the roster has been a key to their success this season.
Key to Victory: Dominance on the Boards
Oregon’s control of the boards was a significant factor in this win. The Ducks out-rebounded the Huskies 35-21, including a 9-4 advantage on offensive rebounds. This dominance translated into valuable second-chance points, a critical improvement after their struggles on the glass in their previous game against Purdue.
Another key difference-maker was Oregon’s three-point shooting. While the Ducks shot a modest 33% from beyond the arc (6-for-18), it was far better than Washington’s dismal 19% (4-for-21). These disparities in rebounds and three-point efficiency proved to be the difference in an otherwise even game.
Washington’s Notable Performances
The Huskies didn’t go down without a fight. Great Osobor led Washington with 20 points, while Zoom Diallo and Tyler Harris added 18 and 15 points, respectively. Diallo was particularly efficient, shooting 7-for-9 from the field, but his efforts weren’t enough to overcome the Ducks’ late-game surge.
Looking Ahead: Tough Road Tests for Oregon
The Ducks now sit at 15-6 overall and 7-3 in Big Ten play. Their next game will be against Minnesota in Minneapolis on January 25th at 1 p.m. Pacific Time. While the Golden Gophers have struggled this season, they’ve shown the ability to upset strong teams, as they did against Michigan earlier this year.
Oregon will then travel to Westwood for a January 30th showdown with UCLA. The Bruins handed the Ducks a heartbreaking loss earlier this season with a game-winning bank shot at Matthew Knight Arena. Oregon will be hungry for revenge as they look to solidify their standing in the Big Ten.
Conclusion: Ducks Keep Finding Ways to Win
This victory encapsulated Oregon’s season so far—a team that overcomes adversity and finds ways to win, even when the odds are stacked against them. With depth, toughness, and a relentless competitive spirit, the Ducks continue to make their mark in the Big Ten and beyond. Rivalry games rarely disappoint, and this one was no exception.
Stay tuned—there’s plenty more Ducks basketball to come.
Pacific Playbook 
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