#16 Oregon Takes Care of Pesky Cougars, 68-61, Home Streak at 19
Jan, 23, 2013; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks center Tony Woods (55)] blocks a shot against the Washington State Cougars at Matthew Knight Arena. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports
#16 Oregon is on a roll, winning 12 of 13 and even when they don’t play well, they find a way to win. The Ducks were down 39-29 at the half. When it comes to the fundamentals, Dana Altman has his team prepared. When a game is on the line shooting free throws is important. Washington State was perfect in the first half and shot 70 percent for the game. There was a crucial point with about five minutes to play where missed free throws (5 minutes worth)and it cost the Cougars a shot at the game. Oregon for the game was 71 percent from the charity stripe.
Oregon Senior EJ Singler had the best stat line of the night with 19 points, 3-3 from the line, two rebounds, five assists, two steals, and a block. This team has shown this year that the talent doesn’t all rest no one players shoulders. Senior Arslan Kazemi and Freshman Damyean Dotson added a combined 27 points and six steals. The Ducks again this season started out slow but picked it up and started the second half on a 9-0 run. They are getting the chance to do what they want to do with the ball with the right people on the floor. At times it seems like a well oiled machine. Oregon’s home winning streak going back to last year stands at 19.
Looking ahead, Washington (12-7, 4-2 Pac 12) comes to town on Saturday. The Huskies are averaging 69 points per game and are led by Junior C.J. Wilcox and his 19 points per game. Saturday’s game Tips at 4pm and is on the Pac 12 Network. Oregon will be going for it’s 20th win in a row at Matthew Knight Arena.
Justin Phillips is Sports Reporter for Newsradio 1120 KPNW in Eugene.