Oregon Ducks Basketball: Previewing The Valparaiso Crusaders

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The Oregon Ducks are off to a 3-0 start and will face Valparaiso on Sunday. The Crusaders come in at 5-0 on the season and Oregon will have to play better defense than they did in the second half against Savannah State on Friday Night. Despite the team shooting over 60 percent with everyone who played scoring points, the Ducks cooled off in the second half. They had a 20 point lead entering the break and still won the game, but gave up crucial points and missed free throws that could easily turn a win to a loss with a higher profile team. Valparaiso is a more high profile team.

Here is a quick snapshot of the Crusaders

• Valparaiso is out of the Horizon League, along with Oakland, Detroit and Youngstown State
• The Crusaders are the first team in College Basketball this season get to 5-0. (They have played and won five games in seven days)
• They have won four of their five games by double digits.

"Player to Watch: Alec Peters – opened the season with 24 points and 9 rebounds, he averaged 16 points and 7 rebounds per game last year. This year he is averaging 16 points and 5 rebounds per game."

The Oregon Ducks will have to keep an eye on Peters, but of course have weapons of their own. Dana Altman again has something special brewing in Eugene. There have been multiple games with three or four players scoring in double figures. When the Ducks find themselves in trouble they get the ball into the hands of their play making veteran players. Dwayne Benjamin has been a key sixth man. Elgin Cook has been cool and collected and new comer Chris Boucher has shown he can block on Defense and score on Offense leading he team with 17 points on Friday night against Savannah State.

Next: Oregon Ducks Defense Steps Up vs USC

Oregon and Valpo take to the court at Matthew Knight Arena for the first time Sunday at 3pm Pacific Time on Pac-12 Networks.