By Joel Paul
In a thrilling display of resilience and determination, the No. 23 Oregon Ducks triumphed over the Indiana Hoosiers with a commanding 72-59 victory in the second round of the Big Ten Conference tournament on March 13, 2025, at Indianapolis’ Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
A Season of Highs and Lows
The Ducks’ season has been a rollercoaster. After a promising start that saw them ranked earlier in the season and poised for a top-three finish in the Big Ten, a mid-season slump led to a five-game losing streak. However, showcasing their tenacity, Oregon rebounded with a seven-game winning streak, including a significant 77-73 road victory over Wisconsin. This resurgence propelled them back into the national rankings at No. 23.
The Road to the Big Ten Tournament
Oregon’s momentum continued as they closed the regular season with a hard-fought 80-73 win against Washington. This set the stage for their Big Ten tournament opener against Indiana, a team they had previously defeated 73-64 on their Senior Night at Matthew Knight Arena. Despite that victory, facing Indiana in Indianapolis posed a new set of challenges.
Game Highlights
The Hoosiers, benefiting from a home-court advantage with their fans outnumbering Oregon’s supporters, started strong, leading 17-9 at the 13:35 mark. However, the Ducks showcased their resilience, gradually closing the gap and eventually tying the game at 23 with 7:02 remaining in the first half. A 10-0 run to close the half gave Oregon a 37-29 lead at intermission.
In the second half, Indiana narrowed the deficit to two points, trailing 56-54 with 7:33 left. Yet, Oregon’s defense tightened, holding the Hoosiers scoreless for over five minutes. Key contributions from Jackson Shelstad, who led with 18 points, and TJ Bamba, who added 17 points and five rebounds, ensured the Ducks maintained their lead. Brandon Angel also played a pivotal role, contributing 14 points.
Statistical Breakdown
Oregon Ducks:
Jackson Shelstad: 18 points
TJ Bamba: 17 points, 5 rebounds
Brandon Angel: 14 points
Nate Bittle: 7 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 steals
Team Shooting: 49.1% from the field (26-of-53)
Three-Point Shooting: 40% (8-of-20)
Free Throws: 80% (12-of-15)
Assists: 16
Rebounds: 30
Indiana Hoosiers:
Malik Reneau: 19 points
Trey Galloway: 15 points, 9 assists
Mackenzie Mgbako: 10 points
Oumar Ballo: 8 points, 8 rebounds
Team Shooting: 36.2% from the field (25-of-69)
Three-Point Shooting: 25% (4-of-16)
Free Throws: 50% (5-of-10)
Assists: 22
Rebounds: 32
Key Factors in the Game
Shooting Efficiency: Oregon’s superior shooting was evident, connecting on 49.1% of their field goals compared to Indiana’s 36.2%.
Three-Point Shooting: The Ducks made eight three-pointers, doubling Indiana’s four, providing a crucial scoring edge.
Free Throw Disparity: Oregon capitalized on their free throws, shooting 80% (12-of-15), while Indiana struggled at 50% (5-of-10).
Defensive Stands: The Ducks’ defense was pivotal, especially during a late stretch where they held the Hoosiers scoreless for over five minutes, turning a narrow 56-54 lead into a more comfortable margin.
Looking Ahead: A Date with the Spartans
With this victory, Oregon advances to the quarterfinals to face the top-seeded Michigan State Spartans on March 14. The previous encounter between these teams on February 8 saw the Ducks relinquish a 14-point halftime lead, ultimately falling 86-74.
Conclusion
The Ducks’ journey this season epitomizes resilience. Overcoming mid-season adversity, they’ve soared back into contention, demonstrating that with determination and grit, any challenge can be met head-on. As they prepare to face Michigan State, fans can anticipate a thrilling contest that embodies the spirit of March Madness.
Buckle up, Ducks fans—the ride isn’t over yet!
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