NCAA Tournament: Oregon Ducks Feeling Smart, Take Out Oklahoma State 68-55

Oregon was able to pick up right where they left off in the Pac 12 Championship game. In the first half Senior Arsalan Kazemi had 10 points and 9 rebounds, just shy of a double double for the half. Freshman Damyean Dotson was the only other Ducks in double figures, also with 10 at the break. Dana Altman’s club was able to hold Oklahoma State’s Freshman Marcus Smart to just six points at the break, with non Freshman and Big 12 Player of the Year Numbers: 6 points, 3 assists and 3 turnovers.  The Ducks had six steals in the first 20 minutes of play.

March 21, 2013; San Jose, CA, USA; Oregon Ducks forward Arsalan Kazemi (14, left) and guard Damyean Dotson (21, right) celebrate against the Oklahoma State Cowboys during the first half of the second round of the 2013 NCAA tournament at HP Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Oklahoma State’s Cobbins was in foul trouble early in the second half, picking up his fourth foul and an eye poke on ‘Artis the Artist’, who made his two free throws. Cobbins was a key piece for the Cowboys inside game and taken out, Oregon looked to take advantage and managed to extend the lead.

"“I thought our guys did a great job. DA got it started off with a steal and layup early. I’m really happy for these two freshman guards. They’re the future of our program and to get experience like that, it was really important.”                        -Altman on Artis and Dotson’s play"

As the second half went on, the Cowboys foul trouble continued to build, and Oregon continued, for the most part to make the free throws. Oklahoma State hit a 3 with 2:20 left cutting the Ducks lead to 11.

The final two minutes of the game was fun, Oklahoma State could not foul Oregon as they ran around the court and knocked the Cowboys from the Tourmanent winning 68-55.

"We were kind of the underdogs, we wanted to come out strong, we played great defense, everybody played good. I’m really happy for myself, my team and all of the Oregon Duck Fans out there.  -Senior Arsalan Kazemi"

For the game Freshman Damyean Dotson finished with 17, Dominic Artis with 13, and Senior Arsalan Kazemi had 11 points and 17 rebounds. Oregon shot 39 percent for the game and 38 percent from the three point line. The Ducks had 37 rebounds in the win.

Oregon will meet the 4 Seed St. Louis Billikens  on Saturday inthe Third Round of the NCAA Tournament. Tip time on Saturday is set for (Approx.) 4:10 PT on TBS.

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