Cheridan Hawkins
Geoff Thurner/GoDucks.compitcher at the U of O has pitched a No Hitter. Cheridan Hawkins accomplished the feat in five innings of work on Saturday afternoon at Howe Field winning 8-0 over Arizona.

Press Release from the U of O:

March 23, 2013; San Jose, CA, USA; Oregon Ducks forward Arsalan Kazemi (14) celebrates with guard Johnathan Loyd (10) after the third round of the NCAA basketball tournament against the Saint Louis Billikens at HP Pavilion. Oregon defeated Saint Louis 74-57. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

The Ducks(28-8), led by Freshman Damyean Dotson’s 23 points, including his first five three point attempts, took a 35-19 lead into halftime and never looked back taking care of the St Louis Billikens(28-7) 74-57. Now it’s time to play with the big boys of College Basketball. On Friday, the Ducks face off with the Louisville Cardinals, and if they can find a way to advance will meet either Michigan State or Duke for a shot at the Final Four.

UCLA and Colorado both lost over the weekend and one coach was let go after taking his team to four Final Fours in his career and this year’s Pac 12 Title. Makes no sense to me whatsoever..more on that in a moment. Arizona was able to survive and punch their ticket to the Sweet 16, along with the Ducks. The Wildcats get to play a little closer to home in Los Angeles against Ohio State on Friday. If they can advance they would face upset minded Wichita State or Play in game winner Lasalle. Speaking of upset minded, I have become a huge fan of Florida Gulf Coast after this weekend. A matchup with the Ducks would be possible moving forward, but what an incredible leap by a program in it’s very first NCAA Tournament as a 15 seed.

Since losing the Pac 12 Title to UCLA, who fired their coach Ben Howland over the weekend, Oregon has been on a hot streak. They took care of business to win the Pac 12 Tournament Title, and beat Oklahoma State and St Louis to get where they are right now.

“We think we can win the whole thing.”  -Dotson on how far Oregon can go

The postgame locker room scene was filled with emotion from Center Tony Woods, who left the game in the 2nd half with four fouls. There is also a nice song/chant started by players and a quick speech from Coach Dana Altman.

Tipoff time in Indianapolis for the Ducks and the Cardinals is set for 4:15(PT) on Friday. The game will be broadcasts on CBS.

Oregon Baseball Holds Arizona in Place, Wildcats Still in Search for a Conference Victory

After losing a game on the road last weekend at USC, Coach George Horton had a talk with his Oregon Ducks(18-6, 5-1 Pac 12) . It worked. Over the weekend at PK Park the Ducks pitched their way to three consecutive victories against the Defending National Champions. Arizona(15-11, 0-6 Pac 12) came into the game licking it’s wounds after being swept last weekend by #3 Oregon State at home. The Ducks also had solid hitting from Shaun Chase, Aaron Payne and Ryan Healy. Oregon is also in a four way tie for first place in the Pac 12 Conference with Oregon State, UCLA and Cal.

Oregon’s homestand continues with a game on Tuesday at 6pm as they host Portland for one game before continuing the Pac 12 Schedule Thursday with Washington coming to Eugene for a series this weekend.

Oregon Ducks This Week:

I’m sure there are die hard Duck fans that are looking at ESPN this morning, perhaps at the Pac 12 Standings are noticing something different. Oregon(22-6, 11-4 Pac 12) is tied with UCLA at the top of the conference, and we haven’t played the Civil War yet against Oregon State(13-5, 3-12 Pac 12).  No, this is not a typo.

Feb 27, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Solomon Hill (44) reacts during the game against the Southern California Trojans at the Galen Center. USC defeated Arizona 89-78. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The USC Trojans took it to Arizona on Wednesday night, the Wildcats came out flat and may have been caught looking ahead to their weekend matchup with UCLA.  Arizona may have also lost their shot at a high seed in the NCAA Tournament and most likely will fall to the #3 seed or lower of the Pac 12 Tournament. When it comes to the conference resume, Arizona is starting to  get some holes punched in it. UCLA has already beat the Wildcats once this year already back on January 24th.

Tied with UCLA atop the Pac 12 standings Oregon faces Oregon State who comes to Eugene Thursday night for the Civil War at Matthew Knight Arena. It’s Senior Night and several Ducks will be playing their final game in front of the home crowd including  Tony Woods, E.J. Singler, Carlos Emory and Arsalan Kazemi. The ceremony celebrating these players will happen after the game.

Earlier this week Dana Altman announced that Freshman Dominic Artis is closer to a return, he will likely make an appearance against the Beavers. If the Ducks get a victory, they will be a game up on UCLA and a game and half up on Arizona heading into next week.

Oregon closes out the Pac 12 Regular season on the road against Colorado(Thursday, March 7th, 6pm ESPN2) and Utah(Saturday March 9th, Pac 12 Network 11:30am)

Oregon Ducks This Week: