By Joel Paul | February 22, 2025
Oregon’s postseason hopes were hanging by a thread, but the Ducks just might have found their lifeline. Over the past week, Dana Altman’s squad put together a crucial three-game stretch, culminating in a dramatic, statement-making 77-73 overtime victory against No. 11 Wisconsin on the road. After handling business in a blowout against Rutgers and gutting out a nail-biter at Iowa, Oregon proved its mettle by toppling the Big Ten’s top team in a thriller at the Kohl Center.
Taking Care of Business: Rutgers and Iowa
The Ducks kicked off this stretch with a dominant 75-57 win over Rutgers on February 16 at Matthew Knight Arena. This was never in doubt. Oregon jumped out early and never let the Scarlet Knights breathe. Jackson Shelstad led the way with 19 points, shooting an efficient 61.5% from the field and 50% from deep (3-of-6). Nathan Bittle controlled the paint, posting a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds while hitting 50% from the floor and 66.7% from three. TJ Bamba contributed across the board with 11 points, 4 rebounds, and 6 assists, proving once again that he is a glue guy for this Oregon squad.
Next up was a February 19 road test at Iowa, where Oregon’s resilience was put to the test. Unlike the Rutgers game, this one went down to the wire. The Ducks clawed out an 80-78 victory in a game that could have gone either way. Shelstad had an off night, finishing with just three points on 0-of-7 shooting, but the Ducks had plenty of answers. Bittle dominated again with 21 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists—an elite performance for a big man. Oregon saw four players hit double figures, with Bamba, Brandon Angel, and Keeshawn Barthelmey each adding 10 points. Oregon’s ability to close out a tight game on the road was an encouraging sign, but the real test was yet to come.
A Season-Defining Win in Madison
Heading into February 22, Oregon needed a marquee win to solidify its NCAA tournament chances. A loss to Wisconsin would have left the Ducks needing to win the Big Ten tournament outright to have any hope of dancing in March. With their backs against the wall, Oregon delivered.
At halftime, it looked bleak. Oregon trailed by 14 and had been down by as much as 17. But in true Duck fashion, they fought back. Bamba’s defense set the tone, helping Oregon force 17 Wisconsin turnovers. The Ducks also racked up nine steals, turning defense into offense when they needed it most. When the game went to overtime, Oregon seized the moment.
Bittle once again led the charge with 23 points and six rebounds, shooting 52.9% from the field and 50% from three. Barthelemy stepped up big, pouring in 14 points on 66.7% shooting from beyond the arc. Shelstad bounced back from his Iowa struggles with 13 points, shooting a lights-out 60% from three. Jadrian Tracey added 11 points on 57.1% shooting, and Kwame Evans was one rebound shy of a double-double with 10 points and nine boards.
This was not just a win—it was a statement. Oregon went into Madison and took down the No. 1 team in the Big Ten, proving that they can compete with the best in the conference. More importantly, they kept their NCAA tournament dreams alive.
The Road Ahead
With three games left before the Big Ten tournament, Oregon still has work to do. The Ducks return home for matchups against USC (March 1) and Indiana (March 4), with the latter serving as Senior Night. Then, on March 9, they travel to Seattle to take on bitter rival Washington in what promises to be a hostile environment. Oregon beat Washington 82-71 in their last meeting, but that game was closer than the final score suggested. The Huskies will be looking for revenge on their Senior Night.
On paper, Oregon should win these games, but nothing is guaranteed—especially against a rival on the road. If the Ducks can take care of business in the Big Ten Tournament and secure some quality wins, they will make a strong case for an at-large bid. It’s not a lock, but it’s a conversation worth having.
Had Oregon lost to Wisconsin, an at-large bid would have been out of reach, and winning the Big Ten tournament would have been the only path to March Madness. Now, they have some wiggle room. Ideally, Oregon would still like to win the whole thing, but at the very least, knocking off two more top-tier Big Ten teams could be enough to punch their ticket.
Final Thoughts
The Ducks have shown resilience, fight, and the ability to win in multiple ways over the last three games. From blowing out Rutgers, to grinding out a tough win at Iowa, to shocking Wisconsin on the road, Oregon is proving that they belong in the tournament conversation. They still have work to do, but as long as they keep finding ways to win, they will have a chance to dance in March. Buckle up, Duck fans—this ride is far from over.
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