Oregon Basketball Sweeps USC/UCLA, Now On Cusp of Top 15 in AP Poll

Jan 19, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA;

The Oregon Ducks had a good weekend in California – winning last Thursday vs USC 76-73, and a solid performance on Saturday vs #24 UCLA. Voters are starting to take notice of Dana Altman’s team, now 16-2 on the season, 5-0 in the Pac 12 and returning home this week to face Washington and Washington State. Oregon now ranked #16 in the latest Associated Press poll (is undefeated at home this season, and has reeled off 18 wins in a row going back to last year.

Oregon faces off with Washington State (10-8, 1-4 Pac 12) on Wednesday night at Matthew Knight Arena. The Washington Huskies (12-6, 4-1 Pac 12)  come to town on Saturday. Tiptime is 4pm on the Pac 12 Network.

The Pac 12 had one other team in the Associated Press poll this week, Arizona at #6 (12-1, 4-1 Pac 12). UCLA is ranked 28th in the poll.

This season so far has been very special for this Oregon team, each game has been exciting. This team is not dependent on one player have a good game night after night in order to be successful. Head Coach Dana Altman is starting to get his bench players more involved in games. The Ducks have improved at the free throw line since last year. It seems as through leadership is coming from everyone on this team. Freshman Dominic Artis had 14 points and 3 rebounds vs UCLA on Saturday. Last year it seemed like Senior EJ Singler was being leaned on a lot, not so much this year as they are spreading the ball around, and the Ducks are gaining confidence and success.

Justin Phillips can be heard weekday mornings with Sports on 1120 KPNW radio in Eugene, Oregon.  Follow @Autzen_Zoo on Twitter for the latest on the Oregon Ducks.