Oregon Turns Over a Win vs USC, 78-66

Feb 1, 2014; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks guard Joseph Young (3) defends a shot by USC Trojans guard J.T. Terrell (20) in the first half at Matthew Knight Arena. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports

Oregon entered the game against the USC Trojans in major need of a win as their NCAA hopes are hanging by the strings of a basketball net. The Ducks entering the game were losers of three games in a row. It was their first three game losing streak at Matthew Knight Arena.

The Ducks did not have a great start in the first half. Damyean Dotson started out cold and was 0 for 4 from the floor. Oregon shot 37 percent from the floor in the first half to USC hitting 50 percent of their shots, and taking a 38-34 lead into the locker room. Joseph Young had four steals on his own with nine for Oregon. USC led in rebounding with a 21 to 11 edge.

The Second half stated out better for the Ducks with two steals on consecutive possessions tying the game at 42, followed by a dunk from Moser out of a timeout which woke up the crowd of 11,178 on hand to help celebrate Phil Knight’s birthday.. The Trojans then shot themselves in the foot with a 10 second violation giving the Ducks some momentum. Dana Altman and company started the 2nd half with a 19-6 run. Oregon held the Trojans to one field goal in thirteen possessions at one point. The Trojans at the under 10 minute mark had two consecutive turns on Offense go wrong.For the game the Trojans had 22 turnovers to Oregon with 6. The Ducks had 16 steals, led by Joseph Young who had 6 on his own.

Young also led Oregon in scoring with 21. Off the bench Jason Calliste had 18.

With the victory Oregon gets back on track in the Win column, but has a loooong way to go for post season play. It was a good win for the Ducks. Matthew Knight Arena was rocking as the team picked up a win on the Celebration of Phil Knight’s 76th Birthday.

Oregon now heads on the road to face #1 Arizona next Thursday at 6pm. The game will be on ESPN.