Oregon Basketball: Cal Gives Ducks a Gift, Oregon Back to First Place in Pac 12
Feb 2, 2013; Berkeley, CA, USA; Oregon Ducks forward Arsalan Kazemi (14) drives in against California Golden Bears forward David Kravish (45) during the first half at Haas Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
The Ducks Cling to #23 in the Latest AP Poll after a loss at home Thursday night to Colorado. Oregon did pick up a victory on Saturday 73-64 against Utah as Arslan Kazemi scored the first double double of his career. Oregon has battled turnovers all season it seems, now averaging 16 per contest, they are dead last in the Pac 12 with the worst turnover ratio, or if you flip that, they are first with the worst turnover ratio. The Ducks had 17 turnovers against Utah.
The reason I say it that way is because if you look at the standings the Oregon Ducks 19-5(8-3 Pac-12) are at the top of their division, albeit tied with Arizona and UCLA. Dana Altman has said the Pac 12 Season was a long one. There have been several ups and downs so far, but here’s a big up. Oregon is in FIRST place in the Pac 12. Yup, I said it. As it stands today at 8-3. The Ducks played and beat both Arizona(at Matthew Knight Arena) and UCLA(at Pauley Pavillion), who they are tied with. Until the Pac 12 Tournament they won’t see those teams again for the rest of the season. How? It has to do with scheduling. That’s the way it worked out for Oregon this season.
Pac-12 Conference Standings
| TEAM | CONF W-L | TOTAL W-L |
|---|---|---|
| #7 Arizona | 8-3 | 20-3 |
| #19 Oregon | 8-3 | 19-5 |
| UCLA | 8-3 | 18-6 |
| Arizona State | 7-4 | 18-6 |
| Colorado | 6-5 | 16-7 |
| Stanford | 6-5 | 15-9 |
| California | 6-5 | 14-9 |
| USC | 6-5 | 11-13 |
| Washington | 5-6 | 13-11 |
| Oregon State | 2-9 | 12-12 |
| Washington State | 2-9 | 11-13 |
| Utah | 2-9 | 10-13 |
Standings via ESPN.com
After three losses in a row, and for a bit being in 2nd place in the Pac 12, the Ducks are right back at the top. With the Wildcats 77-69 loss to Cal on Sunday, look for them to fall out of the Top 10 today when the polls are released.
Jan 17, 2013, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Oregon Ducks guard Dominic Artis (1) dribbles the ball against the Southern California Trojans at the Galen Center. Oregon defeated USC 76-74. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/USA TODAY Sports
Dana Altman is missing one key piece to his offense. Freshman Dominic Artis has been sidelined the past few weeks with a left foot injury. Oregon is 2-3 without him in 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"
Artis is set to see Doctors today to see if he will travel this week as the Ducks 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).
Oregon needs to play hard, finish, and cut down on the turnovers, which is what many have been saying all along. The Ducks have made some mistakes, but look where they stand.
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Justin Phillips is Sports Reporter for Newsradio 1120 KPNW in Eugene, Oregon