Oregon Closes Out Home Stretch with a Gritty Senior Night Win Over Indiana and a Dominant Victory Against USC

By Joel Paul

EUGENE, Ore. — Oregon men’s basketball wrapped up its final home games of the regular season with a pair of wins that highlighted two very different aspects of their game. The Ducks secured a hard-fought 73-64 victory over Indiana on Senior Night after throttling USC 82-61 just days earlier.

The win against the Hoosiers marked Oregon’s final home appearance of its inaugural Big Ten campaign, a season defined by ups and downs but recently trending in the right direction. After a crucial road upset over Wisconsin, the Ducks returned to Matthew Knight Arena and showed both defensive toughness and late-game execution to fend off Indiana.

Oregon is now on a six-game winning streak with one regular-season game left—against bitter rival Washington on March 9—building momentum heading into the postseason. Here’s how the Ducks handled their home stretch.

Senior Night Standoff: Oregon Outlasts Indiana in a Defensive Battle

Oregon’s 73-64 victory over Indiana wasn’t pretty, but it was exactly what the Ducks needed. In a game dictated by defense and physicality, Oregon made just enough plays down the stretch to come out on top.

Jackson Shelstad played the role of closer, erupting for eight points in the final 90 seconds, including a deep NBA-range three-pointer that put the Ducks ahead for good. Shelstad’s overall shooting numbers (5-for-13 from the field, 2-for-7 from three) won’t jump off the stat sheet, but his clutch performance in the waning moments made all the difference. He finished with 17 points, along with three assists and two rebounds, while knocking down 83.3% of his free throws (5-for-6).

The most well-rounded performance of the night came from Nathan Bittle, who stuffed the stat sheet with 14 points, seven rebounds, and six assists. While he struggled from the field (30%), his perfect 8-for-8 from the free throw line proved crucial. T.J. Bamba, known more for his defense, added 13 points while playing a vital role in disrupting Indiana’s offense. He recorded a steal and a block while providing relentless perimeter pressure.

Despite an off-shooting night, Oregon’s defense carried the way. The Ducks blocked seven shots and forced seven steals, edging out Indiana, which had five of each. Second-chance points were another game-changer—Oregon dominated that category with 23, while the Hoosiers managed just 13.

Free throws made the biggest difference. The Ducks converted 19 of 21 from the line (90%), while Indiana shot a dismal 3-for-7 (43%). That discrepancy, combined with timely stops, allowed Oregon to pull away late.

Offensive Explosion Against USC: Ducks Run Trojans Out of the Gym

Three days before their grind-it-out win over Indiana, Oregon played a completely different style of game—one where their offense stole the show. The Ducks put together one of their best scoring performances of the season in an 82-61 rout of USC, dominating from start to finish.

Keyshawn Barthelemy was lights out, dropping 20 points on 80% shooting from the field and a scorching 66.7% from three. He also added three rebounds and two assists in an efficient showing.

Shelstad followed up with 19 points while shooting 53.3% from the field and 50% from deep. Bittle remained consistent with 15 points and seven boards, knocking down 60% of his shots.

Unlike the Indiana game, Oregon’s offense was humming. The Ducks shot 48% from the field, held USC to just 34%, and doubled the Trojans in fast-break points (16-8). Oregon also dominated points off turnovers (19-10), making USC pay for every mistake.

While the Ducks had been inconsistent offensively throughout the season, this game showcased what they’re capable of when they find a rhythm.

Looking Ahead: Rivalry Showdown at Washington

Oregon’s final regular-season test will come on March 9 against Washington (12 p.m. PT, CBS) in Seattle. While the Huskies have struggled this season, this is still a rivalry game, and it’s also Senior Day for Washington—making it a potential trap game.

The last time these teams met, Oregon won 82-71 on Jan. 21, but the game was much closer than the score suggested. The Ducks led by just two at halftime (34-32) and needed a late run to secure the win.

Washington will be looking for revenge, and with Oregon hoping to solidify its NCAA Tournament résumé, the stakes are high.

With momentum on their side and a potential postseason run ahead, the Ducks have one more chance to prove they’re peaking at the right time.

Oregon at Washington – March 9, 12 p.m. PT, CBS. Buckle up.