NCAA Tournament: Ducks Show They Can Play with Louisville, But Fall 77-69

Oregon was in foul trouble early in the game, and couple that with turnovers and missed shots – Oregon didn’t bring their A Game.

Mar 29, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Louisville Cardinals center Gorgui Dieng (10) drives between Oregon Ducks forward Arsalan Kazemi (left) and center Zach Price (25) in the first half during the semifinals of the Midwest regional of the 2013 NCAA tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Rhodes-USA TODAY Sports

It took about 10 minutes of the first half for the Ducks(28-8) to get settled in playing against the #1 overall seed in the NCAA Tournament,  Louisville(31-5). The Cardinals biggest lead was 16 in the first half, but Oregon was able to cut that in half with 8 minutes left. By the end of the first half, Freshman Damyean Dotson and Senior Carlos Emory bot had two fouls and Junior Johnathan Loyd had 3 fouls, the third questionable on a ball steal.  Damyean Dotson was way off and 0-6 from the field in the half for the Ducks. Oregon was 11 for 27 from the field and missing (possibly) needed free throws going 4 for 9.

"“We Definitely Thought We Could Have Got This One” – Freshman Dominic Artis"

The Cardinals Peyton Siva was in foul trouble early and left after playing the first 5 minutes with two fouls, Russ Smith had 16 for the Cardinals. For the half Louisville shot close to 60 percent. Oregon shot 40 percent.

Louisville had the most points allowed by the Ducks in a first half of play this season, 45-31.

In the second half, Oregon was able to get it to 10. At the 8 minute mark, Louisville had a block against Carlos Emory and then hit a three on the other end. Oregon then went on a 7-0 run. The Ducks then got it to 6 briefly and then it was again extended to 10.

Oregon was not able to keep up with Louisville and the Cardinals made some solid blocks on Defense in the last few minutes of the game. Carlos Emory fouled out with 10 points. E.J. Singler led the Ducks with 15, followed by Dotson and Artis with 12 each.

Louisville’s Russ Smith had 31 points in the Cardinals victory.

Amazing Season for Oregon from being Picked 7th in the Pac 12 to Getting though a lot of adversity to make it to the NCAA Sweet 16. Nothing to be ashamed of. It’s good they had Senior leadership to get them there and now the Freshman will look to lead this team back.

The Cardinals Advance to the Elite 8 to face Duke on Sunday. The teams have not faced each other in the NCAA Tournament since 1989. The coaches were the same. Mike Krzyzewski for Duke and Rick Pitino for Louisville. Two programs that don’t fire their coach for winning Championships.

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