By Joel Paul, Sports Journalist
SEATTLE — In a game that epitomized the intensity of college basketball, the Oregon Ducks emerged victorious over the Washington Huskies, 80-73, in an overtime clash that left fans on the edge of their seats. The March 9 showdown at Alaska Airlines Arena not only spoiled the Huskies’ Senior Day but also underscored the Ducks’ resilience as they head into the Big Ten Tournament.
Bittle’s Career Night
Center Nate Bittle delivered a performance for the ages, recording a career-high 36 points on 13-of-20 shooting, including 3-of-4 from beyond the arc, and securing 12 rebounds. His dominance was evident from the outset, scoring 21 points in the first half alone, marking the most by a Duck in a first half since Payton Pritchard’s 20-point effort against Arizona in 2020.
“Nate did an unbelievable job — what a performance,” remarked Oregon head coach Dana Altman. “He gave us some separation there and did a tremendous job.”
Supporting Cast Steps Up
Freshman forward Kwame Evans Jr. notched his first career double-double, contributing 11 points and 11 rebounds, including pivotal plays in overtime. Guard Keeshawn Barthelemy added 14 points, while TJ Bamba chipped in 10 points and five assists, showcasing the Ducks’ depth.
Game Recap
The Ducks stormed out of the gates, hitting their first seven shots to establish a 16-6 lead. However, the Huskies clawed back, narrowing the gap to 36-33 by halftime. The second half was a back-and-forth affair, with multiple lead changes and ties. With the score knotted at 68, Oregon had opportunities to seal the game in regulation but faltered at the free-throw line. A defensive stand in the final seconds ensured the game extended into overtime.
In the extra period, the Ducks asserted their dominance, initiating a 5-0 run and outscoring the Huskies 12-5 to secure the win. Evans Jr.’s putback and Tracey’s timely basket solidified Oregon’s lead, ensuring the Huskies couldn’t mount a comeback.
Team Statistics Favoring the Ducks
Field Goal Percentage: Oregon shot 49.1% (27-of-55) compared to Washington’s 41.0% (25-of-61).
Rebounds: The Ducks dominated the boards with 43 rebounds to the Huskies’ 28.
Points in the Paint: Oregon tallied 32 points inside, showcasing their interior strength.
Looking Ahead: Big Ten Tournament Clash with Indiana
The Ducks’ victory secured them the No. 8 seed in the Big Ten Tournament, setting up a second-round matchup against the No. 9 seed Indiana Hoosiers on March 13 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The two teams recently met on March 4 in Eugene, where Oregon triumphed 73-64.
However, the upcoming neutral-site game presents challenges. The Hoosiers, with their fan base just an hour’s drive from Indianapolis, will enjoy a home-court-like atmosphere. Conversely, Oregon fans face a cross-country journey, potentially leading to a significant disparity in crowd support.
Despite this, oddsmakers have positioned Oregon as a 2.5-point favorite, with the over/under set at 143.5 points.
Key Players to Watch
Oregon: Nate Bittle (14.1 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 2.2 BPG), Jackson Shelstad (13.3 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 2.7 APG).
Indiana: Oumar Ballo (13.2 PPG, 9.1 RPG), Malik Reneau (13.1 PPG, 5.6 RPG).
Conclusion
Oregon’s resilience and depth were on full display in their overtime victory against Washington. As they prepare to face Indiana in the Big Ten Tournament, the Ducks must harness this momentum and overcome the challenges of a partisan crowd to advance further.
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