Arizona was able to come back from every deficit they faced this season, and it looked like they were going to the same thing once Oregon became complacent with the lead. However, the magic finally ran out in Eugene as a crucial turnover helped Oregon continue to stay undefeated at home and defeat the fourth-ranked team in the nation.
Jan, 10, 2013; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks guard Damyean Dotson (21) shoots the ball against the Arizona Wildcats at Matthew Knight Arena. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports
Nick Johnson, who aided Mark Lyons in the furious comeback attempt by the Wildcats (14-1, 2-1), turned the ball over when down just three points. Jonathan Loyd made the last of two free throws to extend the lead to 70-66 and keep the Ducks (13-2, 2-0) ahead for good.
Johnson finished with 12 points, six rebounds, and three steals. Along with Mark Lyons, who finished with 21 points and four assists, Arizona’s guards played well enough to win but unfortunately turned the ball over eight times combined. With the teams’ 14 total turnovers, 10 of them were caused by Oregon steals.
It was a completely balanced scoring attack by Oregon. E.J. Singler led all scoring with 14 points, but four Ducks reached double-digit points. That doesn’t include Damyean Dotson who finished with nine points. Once again, Arsalan Kazemi led the team with eight rebounds, and came off the bench tonight.
Despite starting in an 11-0 hole, Oregon was able to get an 11-point lead at half. The Ducks were cruising to an upset victory before Arizona was just about to pull the carpet from under them. It wasn’t meant to be, and Oregon grabs the first big upset in Pac-12 play.
Brian Spaen is the lead editor of Autzen Zoo and Clones Confidential. Follow more Oregon Ducks coverage with the zoo on Twitter.