Oregon Basketball: Ducks Look to Stop Losses, Get Back on Track vs Utah

Feb, 7, 2013; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks guard Johnathan Loyd (10) dribbles past Colorado Buffaloes guard Sabatino Chen (23) at Matthew Knight Arena. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports

Oregon is currently riding a three game losing streak that started last week at Stanford, continued to Cal, and ended Thursday night in rough fashion in a one point loss to Colorado, who is currently now back to .500 in the Pac 12 Conference at 4-4. The team has been without starting point guard Freshman Dominic Artis for the past three games because of a foot injury and at times it shows on the court.

"“Dominic spreads the floor,” Oregon coach Dana Altman said. “The floor has shrunk, and it’s been hard to drive to the hoop.” Oregon Coach Dana Altman"

It is not known how serious the injury is, but he was in street clothes before the game against Colorado and Oregon is 1-3 without Artis in the lineup. No one knows if he will play against Utah on Saturday.

The Ducks, as a team have struggled to finish games. Facing the Cardinal last week, in a lopsided loss 76-52, E.J. Singler was held scoreless in the first half, and only scored 6 points in the second half. Turnovers have been the story for Oregon during last week’s road trip. Dana Altman can’t be happy with the last eight minutes of the game against Colorado on Thursday. Oregon had 12 turnovers. Colorado had 12 as well, but they had the momentum to close out the 20 game winning streak at Matthew Knight Arena with 17 second chance points.

Oregon needs to get a handle on the ball vs a Utah team that has some talent. Colorado was upset in Salt Lake City on February 3rd.  The Ducks need some confidence, and quick. They find themselves one game out of first in the Pac 12 to Arizona. Last week, before they played Stanford, Oregon had a virtual three game lead in the Pac 12.

I realize, at times it can be an up and down season, but the time to trend upward is now.

Oregon faces Utah(10-12, 2-8 Pac 12) Saturday at 5pm. (Pac 12 Network)

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Justin Phillips is Sports Reporter for Newsradio 1120 KPNW in Eugene, Oregon