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Oregon Ducks Host Pac-12 Leading USC Trojans

By Justin Phillips

Jan 13, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans guard Jordan McLaughlin (11) shoots the ball against the UCLA Bruins during an NCAA basketball game at Pauley Pavilion. USC defeated UCLA 89-75. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 13, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans guard Jordan McLaughlin (11) shoots the ball against the UCLA Bruins during an NCAA basketball game at Pauley Pavilion. USC defeated UCLA 89-75. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Oregon Ducks were picked to finish 4th in the Preseason Media Poll. USC was picked to finish 10th. As it stands entering their matchup on Thursday night, USC is at the top of the Pac-12 Standings. With a win, the Oregon Ducks can tie USC. This season in the Pac-12 has been anything but predictable and the Ducks enter this weekend facing the California South schools in USC and UCLA. The Trojans are 15-3 on the season and if not for a stumble against Washington last weekend they would not have a loss in the Pac-12 Conference.

The seasons that Dana Altman has been in Eugene always seem to find a way to become something special regardless of the situation or the players he has on his roster. This season is no different. A transfer player that was expected to play a big part in 2016, Dylan Ennis is out for the year after reaggravating a foot injury. However, that has not stopped the team from stepping up and finding a clear leader this season in Dillon Brooks. Along with Freshman Tyler Dorsey, Brooks has put up the points for Oregon this season leading the way in double figures in 12 of his last 13 games.

Oregon Ducks Last Time Out (Loss vs Colorado)

  • The Ducks had 5 players in Double Figures vs the Buffs led by Dillon Brooks with 21
  • Tyler Dorsey shot 50 percent from beyond the arc, his final shot in the final minute pulling the Ducks within 3 of the lead
  • Colorado’s Josh Scott could not be stopped with 17 points, a good part from inside the paint, and 11 rebounds.

USC comes into Eugene winning 10 of their last 11 games and every Starter on their roster averages double figures in scoring. Jordan McLaughlin averages 13.5 points per game and will be the one to watch on Thursday night against Oregon. The Trojans also average about 10 points more per contest than Oregon, but the Ducks have shown fight this season when their backs are against the wall. Colorado is a good example. Dana Altman saw his team fight till the end and lose by less than double digits.

Next: Chip Kelly Ready To 'Just Coach' In San Francisco

For this week’s games, Autzen Zoo will have Live Streaming Coverage of both USC and UCLA games at Matthew Knight Arena. Oregon and USC meet on Thursday at 5pm Pacific Time on Pac-12 Network. The Ducks host UCLA on Saturday at 1pm on CBS.

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