Eugene, OR – An Oregon three game losing streak has not occurred often in the Dana Altman era. The Ducks didn’t head in that direction as they returned home on a two-game losing streak to coast to a 84-61 win over Nebraska-Omaha (3-7) before 8,052 at Matthew Knight Arena. Oregon (5-3) was buoyed by the debut of 5-star recruit Louis King. King has been recovering from a knee injury and scored five points in his first minute of play. He ended the night with 11 points in a limited 16 minutes of action and hit 3-of-4 from distance.
The Ducks were led by a career-high 20 points from 6-9 Kenny Wooten who hit 9-of-12 from the field including six dunks. 7-2 Bol Bol connected on two three-pointers and made several mid-range jumpers for 18 points to go along with ten rebounds. Oregon got a little lackluster on defense in the second half as Omaha’s 6-3 junior JT Gibson (18 points) connected on four 3s and helped bring the visitors to within 71-57 at the under four minute timeout. Victor Bailey Jr. (16 points and a career-high six rebounds) helped Oregon maintain separation, hitting all three of his second half three-point attempts.
Oregon has been having trouble shooting this far this season even on uncontested shots. Altman pulled Paul White, who has been ineffective lately, from the starting lineup, replacing him with 6-6 Abu Kijab. Kijab (seven rebounds) provided some energy but what Oregon needed was for someone to hit some outside shots. King did that, making his only two three-point attempts in the first half. Bailey Jr. helped as well, hitting a three-pointer and a mid-range jumper while scoring seven points in his seven minutes of first half play and registering a +18 point differential in his court time. Wooten Jr. added ten first half points including an offensive rebound and explosive dunk afterwards. Bol also added ten first half points connecting on 2-of-3 from distance. Oregon led 44-23 at the half.
Will Richardson also earned a start after playing very well in a reserve role in the last four games. Richardson plays under control (1.5 to 1 assist to turnover ratio) and gets the team into their offense well. Starting Richardson relieves Payton Pritchard of some ball-handling duties. Pritchard shot over 40 percent on 3s last season and needs to get more catch and shoot options. Pritchard shot only 1-of-5 on 3s tonight but played a good floor game with seven assists and no turnovers. Richardson added four assists against only one turnover.
The Ducks connected on a season-best 12-of-23 from distance and shot 59 percent overall from the floor. Oregon dominated inside destroying the Mavericks on the boards by an astounding 36-13 margin, outscoring them in the paint 34-14 and in second chance points 16-3. All in all, despite their second have defensive shortcomings, it was a step in the right direction for the Ducks.
Oregon should get more of a challenge when they return to the court with a home contest against a veteran San Diego (7-2) squad on Wednesday night.
This article was written by Carl Berman, Managing Partner of NetScouts Basketball. You can follow us on Facebook, or on twitter.
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Carl: I have been saying for weeks that Victor Bailey should be a starter or at least play as many minutes as any other player on the team. He is Oregon’s best shooter: scored 15 points in first half last year vs. UCLA and didn’t even start the 2nd half! Made 7 of 8 threes in the NIT. Hasn’t missed a free throw this season and has shot 56.5% from 3-pt. and, has least amount of turnovers per minute played of any player with over 15 min. per game….
I have heard he doesn’t play defense well, but I think that is crazy. He is 2nd on team in steals per minutes played. I have watched him on defense and I think he is solid. He could improve as all the players could, but overall I think he is not getting the recognition and playing time he deserves!
Jerry Thompson
Hi Jerry, I agree with you. Oregon needs players who can make shots and Bailey can do that. I think Louis King will get that starting spot soon after he gets in playing shape but Bailey should play more minutes. He’s super-athletic and can also help on the boards. I like having Will Richardson starting, to relieve Pritchard of some on-ball responsibility and help free him up for more off-ball shooting opportunities. I think Bailey and King will help space the floor to let Wooten (and Bol when he’s inside) have more space inside.
Carl Berman