There’s no sugarcoating it—the Ducks are in trouble. But the season isn’t over yet.
On February 2, 2025, the No. 16 Oregon Ducks suffered a stunning 77-71 home loss to unranked Nebraska, a team that entered the game No. 14 in the Big Ten standings. The loss not only marked a missed opportunity but also knocked Oregon out of the AP Top 25, a painful blow for a team looking to solidify its NCAA Tournament résumé.
This was a game the Ducks couldn’t afford to lose after already falling short against Purdue and UCLA. While Nebraska isn’t a Big Ten powerhouse, a win would have helped Oregon stabilize after recent struggles. Instead, the Ducks faltered, dropping three of their last four games at the worst possible time.
However, the season isn’t lost—yet.
A Gauntlet Ahead: Michigan, Michigan State, and Wisconsin
Oregon is about to embark on its toughest stretch of the season, a two-game road trip that could make or break its postseason hopes. First, the Ducks head to Ann Arbor to face No. 3 Michigan, followed by a showdown with No. 1 Michigan State in East Lansing. Then, a few games later, they’ll travel to Madison for a February 22 battle with Wisconsin, another upper-tier Big Ten squad.
Winning all three games? That’s the dream scenario—one that would punch Oregon’s ticket to the Big Dance and erase any doubt.
Winning two? Still a good chance at March Madness, though the Ducks might be sweating it out on Selection Sunday.
Winning just one? They’ll need quality wins in the Big Ten Tournament, possibly even a deep run to secure their spot.
Losing all three? They’ll have to win the Big Ten Tournament outright—a feat they pulled off in the Pac-12, but the Big Ten is a different beast entirely. This conference doesn’t just hold a candle to the Pac-12—it burns the whole house down.
The next two games in Michigan will be telling. If the Ducks are serious about making the NCAA Tournament, this is the moment to prove it.
Breaking Down the Numbers
Oregon’s inconsistency has been a major theme this season, and it was on full display against Nebraska.
Sophomore guard Jackson Shelstad, who had a rough outing at UCLA, bounced back with 16 points, but his efficiency wasn’t there—he shot just 33.3% from the field, though he connected on 37.5% from three and 75% from the free-throw line, adding two steals.
Brandon Angel, a transfer from Stanford, was one of Oregon’s bright spots, finishing with 15 points on 71.4% shooting, including 50% from three, while grabbing five rebounds and hitting all of his free throws.
TJ Bamba continued his up-and-down season but flashed his potential again, scoring 13 points on 44% shooting, adding six rebounds, and making 83.3% of his free throws.
However, Nebraska simply outclassed Oregon with Brice Williams and Juwan Gary dominating the game.
• Williams torched the Ducks with 28 points on 55% shooting, along with seven rebounds, six assists, and 85.7% from the free-throw line.
• Gary was just as lethal, putting up 23 points on 60% shooting, with five rebounds and an 83.3% mark from the line.
• Rollie Worster chipped in 11 points while shooting a perfect percentage from the field and 75% from the free-throw line.
Statistically, the game was closer than it looked, but field goal percentage was the deciding factor. Nebraska shot a red-hot 51%, while Oregon struggled at 40%—and the Huskers’ top scorers simply outperformed the Ducks’ leaders.
The Road Ahead: Make or Break Time
The Ducks now sit at a crossroads. Do they crumble, or do they fight?
Oregon’s trip to Michigan will speak volumes about their postseason fate. The margin for error is razor-thin, and the odds are stacked against them. But it’s not over yet.
Three games. Three chances to prove they belong.
Stay tuned—this stretch will define Oregon’s season.
Pacific Playbook 
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