Oregon Ducks Basketball: Previewing the Global Sports Classic

After blasting away their only test of the season so far, Oregon heads to Las Vegas to potentially match up against a couple of top 25 teams in two days. The Ducks will open up with host UNLV, who is currently ranked 18th in the AP poll, and will play either 22nd-ranked Cincinnati or an Iowa State squad that’s led by a couple of senior transfers.

E.J. Singler will be a key matchup to shut down a fast offensive attack in UNLV. Gary A. Vasquez-US PRESSWIRE

Both games will be on CBS Sports Network, who will also air the championship game at 7:30 p.m. PT on Saturday night.

Iowa State (4-0) vs. Cincinnati (4-0) – 3:30 p.m. PT

Neither team had much trouble to start the season as Campbell has been the toughest opponent they have seen so far this season, and both of them eventually pulled away from the Fighting Camels.

The Cyclones feature a leading duo with Korie Lucious, a former Michigan State point guard, and Will Clyburn who leads the team with 15 points per game and 8.3 rebounds per game, which ties for the lead. Outside of the senior transfers, the team has a lot of depth on the bench that will give the Bearcats a test for 40 minutes.

Of course, Cincinnati boasts one of the best backcourts in the nation with guards Cashmere Wright, Sean Kilpatrick, and JaQuon Parker who all average 47.8 points a game combined.

Oregon (4-0) vs. UNLV (2-0) – 6:00 p.m. PT

The Ducks likely have the best victory of any team in the field. Their 74-48 blowout of Vanderbilt showcased Oregon’s strength inside and their defense. Forward E.J. Singler leads a frontcourt full of seniors with 12.8 points a game. Arsalan Kazemi acquired a hardship waiver from the NCAA and was eligible to play since the game against the Commodores. He’s led his team in rebounds in both games coming off of the bench.

This creates an interesting matchup against the up-tempo Runnin’ Rebels, who will try to live up to that mascot name all season long. Mike Moser led the team in points scored last season, and scored 19 points in their last game after just scoring two points in the season opener.

Brian Spaen is the lead editor for Autzen Zoo. See his banter with other FanSided writers and love for his favorite west coast professional teams by following him on Twitter.