Feb 2, 2013; Berkeley, CA, USA; Oregon Ducks forward Arsalan Kazemi (14) drives in against California Golden Bears forward David Kravish (45) during the first half at Haas Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

The Ducks Cling to #23 in the Latest AP Poll after a loss at home Thursday night to Colorado. Oregon did pick up a victory on Saturday 73-64 against Utah as Arslan Kazemi scored the first double double of his career. Oregon has battled turnovers all season it seems, now averaging 16 per contest, they are dead last in the Pac 12 with the worst turnover ratio, or if you flip that, they are first with the worst turnover ratio. The Ducks had 17 turnovers against Utah.

The reason I say it that way is because if you look at the standings the Oregon Ducks 19-5(8-3 Pac-12) are at the top of their division, albeit tied with Arizona and UCLA. Dana Altman has said the Pac 12 Season was a long one. There have been several ups and downs so far, but here’s a big up. Oregon is in FIRST place in the Pac 12. Yup, I said it. As it stands today at 8-3. The Ducks played and beat both Arizona(at Matthew Knight Arena)  and UCLA(at Pauley Pavillion), who they are tied with. Until the Pac 12 Tournament they won’t see those teams again for the rest of the season. How? It has to do with scheduling. That’s the way it worked out for Oregon this season.

Pac-12 Conference Standings

After three losses in a row, and for a bit being in 2nd place in the Pac 12, the Ducks are right back at the top. With the Wildcats 77-69 loss to Cal on Sunday, look for them to fall out of the Top 10 today when the polls are released.

Jan 17, 2013, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Oregon Ducks guard Dominic Artis (1) dribbles the ball against the Southern California Trojans at the Galen Center. Oregon defeated USC 76-74. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/USA TODAY Sports

Dana Altman is missing one key piece to his offense. Freshman Dominic Artis has been sidelined the past few weeks with a  left foot injury. Oregon is 2-3 without him in the lineup.

“It’s killing him. He wants to play. He’s ready to take the boot off and play right away.” Oregon Coach Dana Altman on Artis

Artis is set to see Doctors today to see if he will travel this week as the Ducks face the Washington schools. Up first, Washington(13-10,5-5) Wednesday, February 13th (8pm ESPN2). Washington State(11-13, 2-9 Pac 12) is a Saturday, February 16th (4pm, Pac 12 Network).

Oregon needs to play hard, finish, and cut down on the turnovers, which is what many have been saying all along. The Ducks have made some mistakes, but look where they stand.

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

Feb, 7, 2013; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks forward E.J. Singler (25) reaches for a loose ball against Colorado Buffaloes guard Sabatino Chen (23) at Matthew Knight Arena. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports

In a night filled with drama in the Pac 12, including a buzzer beater at Pauley Pavillion, then 19th Ranked Oregon Men’s Basketball team lost at home for the first time since last January, 48-47. Andre Roberson had the winning shot for the Colorado Buffaloes(15-7, 5-5 Pac 12) with 23 seconds left to put the Oregon Ducks(18-5, 7-3 Pac 12) in 2nd place in the Pac 12 behind Arizona. Over the last three games Oregon has not shot the ball over fifty percent from the field.(35 percent vs Stanford, 47 percent vs Cal and  36 percent vs Colorado). In two of the three games they could not control turnovers, and last night the Buffaloes fought harder for the win than the team that had a 20 game winning streak on the line.

“We’re just trying to get back on track, trying to get where we want to be. This was one step forward.”

Colorado Junior Andre Roberson in the Win over Oregon

Carlos Emory and E.J. Singler both had 14 points for the Ducks in the loss. Emory also had 4 rebounds, 3 assists, a steal and a block. Oregon was again without the services of Freshman Dominic Artis who is nursing a foot injury. Dana Altman’s team is 1-3 without Artis in the lineup.

“Dominic spreads the floor. The floor has shrunk, and it’s been hard to drive to the hoop.”

Oregon Head Coach Dana Altman on Dominic Artis

The main story of the game was second chance points and late in the game for Oregon it was turnovers. In the final eight minutes both teams had 12 turnovers, but Colorado hit baskets in the final four minutes to pull out the win at Matthew Knight Arena.

Oregon faces Utah(10-12, 2-8 Pac 12) who defeated Colorado last weekend 58-55. The Ducks have had a target on their back over the last few weeks and opposing teams have hit it. Oregon needs some discipline, to cut down on turnovers and regain some confidence and finish.

The Ducks host the Utes on Saturday at 5pm(Pac 12 Network)

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

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