Alleyne Powers Oregon to Record Night Over Arizona State 98-90

Nov 20, 2013; Hartford, CT, USA; Connecticut Huskies center Stefanie Dolson (31) looks to pass against Oregon Ducks forward Jillian Alleyne (14) in the second half at XL Center. UConn defeated the Oregon Ducks 114-68. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Oregon has their sights set on one goal. Winning one game at a time. With that mentality they may just make the postseason. Oregon(14-14, 5-12 Pac-12) proved on Friday night against Arizona State was a hard fought victory for Paul Westhead and his team. The Ducks did not back down as they snapped a four game losing streak and Jillian Alleyne broke some records. The Sophomore broke the Oregon single season record for double doubles(25) and set the first of likely several milestones in her career breaking through the 1000 point mark.

Oregon has been in a very long drought when it comes to beating Top 25 teams. It hasn’t been done since 2007. The slate now is set at one win over a ranked opponent after thirty three, yes you read that right, thirty three straight losses to opponents in the Top 25. The Ducks have tried to break through for the last four years under Paul Westhead but have been able to due to several issues including a big one. Injuries. They have shaken off that bug this season and unleashed on offense that is faster than other teams and the players in Westhead’s ‘System’ are finally able to see results.

I don’t think I’ve ever been more happy for my team. We lost some games, and that’s really tough, but they kept hanging in tonight. I think there are a lot of teams that don’t want to play us. The win gives (our players) a little credibility that they can play hard and win games against very good teams.

Oregon Coach Paul Westhead after the win over Arizona State on Friday

For the four seniors on this team the win over a ranked opponent could not have come at a better time. The feeling I’m sure is bittersweet, but when you break a 33 game losing streak it is a big moment for a program. It doesn’t matter where they are ranked. It is the start of something very important. Relevancy. Oregon will look to continue to push for a possible post season birth on Sunday(1pm, Pac-12 Networks), Senior Day which will be high with emotions.

The one thousand point watch continues for two Oregon players, Junior Katelyn Loper needs six points while Senior Ariel Thomas needs eight. Alleyne also inches closer to the Pac-12 Conference rebounding record set last season by Stanford Guard Chiney Ogwumike. She needs 27 to tie.

A win against Arizona will set them up for possibly their first post season appearance in five years with a 16-15 record. A win in the Pac-12 Tournament next week will help. Teams only need a .500 record to be considered for post season play.

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