Oregon Basketball: Kazemi’s Double Double Helps Ducks Snap Skid, Beat Utah 73-64

Feb, 9, 2013; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks forward Arsalan Kazemi (14) dribbles the ball around Utah Utes forward Jordan Loveridge (21) at Matthew Knight Arena. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports

On a night when Louisville went down to Notre Dame in 5 Overtimes in this crazy week in college basketball, Oregon entered the locker room on Saturday down 30-22 to a feisty Utah team, and Senior Arslan Kazemi spoke up. He told his teammates that tonight it was going to end. The three game losing streak would be over.

"“We’ve got to go out there and show it. We can’t just talk about it.”Freshman Damyean Dotson on Kazemi"

Kazemi finished the night with 11 points and 14 rebounds, which was his first career double double as the Ducks scored 51 points in the 2nd half. He had some assistance from fellow Senior E.J. Singler,  with 21 points and 7 rebounds as the Oregon Ducks (19-5, 8-3 Pac 12) took care of Utah(10-13, 2-9 Pac 12) 73-64. Damyean Dotson added 16 points for the Ducks, now tied with UCLA in the Pac 12, one game behind Arizona.

"“We finally hit some shots, Dot(son) got on a roll there, E.J. hit a couple, and although we didn’t shoot a very good percentage, it was good to see the ball go through the net a little bit.”Oregon coach Dana Altman On The Win"

One thing that hasn’t changed is turnovers, there were plenty for Oregon. There were 10 within the first 16 minutes of the game. The Ducks have the dubious distinction of averaging 16 turnovers per game, worst in the Pac 12. At the end of the game against Utah they had 17. Some not so good news came after the victory.

Freshman Dominic Artis will see a doctor on Monday about his ailing left foot. Altman said he doesn’t want to take any chances with his young point guard and when he does return he’ll be eased back into the lineup.

"“It’s killing him. He wants to play. He’s ready to take the boot off and play right away.” Oregon Coach Dana Altman on Artis"

The Ducks head north this week to face the Washington Schools.

Up first, Washington(13-10,5-5) Wednesday, February 13th (8pm ESPN2). Washington State(11-13, 2-9 Pac 12) is a Saturday, February 16th (4pm, Pac 12 Network).

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Justin Phillips is Sports Reporter for Newsradio 1120 KPNW in Eugene, Oregon