Oregon Wins Shootout over UTSA 95-78
By Brian Spaen
An impressive offensive display took place at the Matthew Knight Center as the Ducks eventually cruised to a 95-78 victory over the Texas-San Antonio Roadrunners.
Nov 29, 2012; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks forward Arsalan Kazemi (14) defends against the Texas-San Antonio Roadrunners at Matthew Knight Arena. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-US PRESSWIRE
Oregon (6-1) dominated inside physically as expected, winning the rebounding margin 28-17 and outscored UTSA in the paint. The Roadrunners only had two offensive rebounds, both grabbed by Jeromie Hill, for the night.
Arsalan Kazemi led the way with a brilliant balance on both sides of the ball. He collected a season high 20 points, six rebounds, five steals, four assists, and three blocks. He only missed one shot going 8-9 from the field.
Despite four turnovers, Dominic Artis was also efficient shooting 7-8 from the field and finishing with 16 points, four assists, and three steals. E.J. Singler struggled offensively again only making 3-10 for six points and had five turnovers, but added three assists, two rebounds, and two steals.
The Ducks scored inside the paint and off of turnovers. UTSA tallied 23 turnovers, but Oregon didn’t fare much better with 18. Lots of sloppy play resulted in plenty of fouls, where the Ducks had a slight advantage making 14-17 free throws. The Roadrunners also did well from the line hitting 9-11.
UTSA’s “big three” of Kannon Burrage, Jeromie Hill, and Michael Hale III came in as the biggest threats and Oregon unfortunately couldn’t do much about it. Hill led the team with 19 points and six rebounds. Burrage had another double-digit scoring night with 17 points and had six of the teams’ 14 assists.
Depth did prove to be a big factor. The Roadrunners had a big push to start the second half and got it to within 51-46, but fatigue started showing with around eight minutes left. Oregon was able to force a few more turnovers and make the big shots needed to close out the game. UTSA’s 9-16 shooting from the perimeter really kept them in the game for as long as it could.
Oregon will try to improve defensively in their next game against Arkansas-Pine Bluff. It will be a quick turnaround with tipoff on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. PT.
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.