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Oregon Women’s Basketball: Ducks Set To Play In Preseason WNIT

By Justin Phillips

Mar 27, 2017; Bridgeport, CT, USA; Oregon Ducks head coach Kelly Graves reacts from the sideline against the Connecticut Huskies during the first half in the finals of the Bridgeport Regional of the women's 2017 NCAA Tournament at Webster Bank Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 27, 2017; Bridgeport, CT, USA; Oregon Ducks head coach Kelly Graves reacts from the sideline against the Connecticut Huskies during the first half in the finals of the Bridgeport Regional of the women's 2017 NCAA Tournament at Webster Bank Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Oregon Ducks will face competition in the Preseason WNIT to open the 2017 season.

Oregon Head Coach Kelly Graves knows the importance of scheduling. Coming off the team’s first NCAA Elite Eight Performance in School History, the team will face bigger challenges in 2017 including playing in the Preseason WNIT.

This year’s teams include George Mason, Michigan, Texas A&M, Louisville, and George Mason to name a few. The experience should provide the team the opportunity at some different looks before Pac-12 play begins. With a solid finish in 2016, the Oregon Women’s Basketball team should be on the radar from the start next season, likely with a Top 15 Ranking to start.

With the full schedule still to be announced, Oregon has already set itself up well. The Ducks will also play Oklahoma State as part of the Phil Knight Invitational on Thanksgiving Weekend. The other matchup at Matthew Knight Arena will have more attention with UConn facing Michigan State in what is expected to be a doubleheader.

Oregon may even have the chance at hosting for the WNIT. The bracket will be announced later.

Kelly Graves, fresh off a contract extension will return the bulk of his Offense from 2016 including Sabrina Ionescu who made an immediate impact, Ruthy Hebard who provided scoring inside, and Lexi Bando who was a big three point threat.

Next: Oregon Basketball Recruiting: 5-Star Miles Norris Commits

The full season schedule will be announced later this Spring, but Graves is off to a solid start for the upcoming season.