Oregon Falls to Stanford 82-80, Drops Third Pac-12 Conference Game in a Row

Jan 12, 2014; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks forward Elgin Cook (23) and forward Mike Moser (back) defend as Stanford Cardinal guard Chasson Randle (5) shoots the ball in the first half at Matthew Knight Arena. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports

Looking at the schedule before the season started there were a few basketball games that I circled. Today’s here game between Stanford and Oregon was one of them. The Ducks and Cardinal battled in the first half in front of 8,852 at Matthew Knight Arena. Dana Altman’s team shot 55 percent for the first half. The Cardinal 45 percent. The killer for Oregon was 11 turnovers to Stanford’s two in the opening half of play.  There was also not one specific player who stood out showing that this game may be won or lost as a team.

To start the 2nd half Stanford scored four points in the first thirty seconds before the Ducks were able to settle down. Oregon bounced back and with 16:15 left they were only down two after a dunk by Richard Amardi. Out of a timeout Stanford answered with a two of their own. The Cardinal had their largest lead of the game, which was 8 at the 13:21 mark until Moser and Calliste hit back to back threes, within a minute Moser hit two more pulling the Ducks within 2.

For the rest of the game the Ducks would have several players step up including Mike Moser to save the ball for a two point shot and Johnathan Loyd with a three. But for every shot it seemed that Stanford had an answer.  The Ducks were down by four with three minutes to go when Senior Johnathan Loyd pulled Oregon within three before the Cardinal again would answer. Jason Calliste would be fouled and go to the line with a minute and a half left and hit one of two free throws. Again a Cardinal answer. The Ducks would get a big block followed by an Artis three to bring Oregon within 1 with 21 seconds left. With 7 seconds to go the Ducks had two shots from both Johnathan Loyd and Dominic Artis to tie the game, both would fall short.

Oregon falls to 1-3 in the Conference with the loss and committed 15 turnovers in the game, which turned into 20 points for Stanford.

"It’s going to make or break us. After losing three straight we’re kinda desperate right now.Mike Moser on the upcoming three game road trip for the Ducks."

The Ducks will face Oregon State in the Civil War next Sunday(5pm, ESPNU)