Pac-12 Tournament: Oregon Ducks Meet Arizona With Plenty On The Line
After three straight losses last season, the Oregon Ducks will face the Arizona Wildcats in the third round of the Pac-12 Tournament still on contention for a top seed in the NCAA Tournament.
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One team is riding a five game winning streak and momentum, the other is looking to upset the Ducks having lost two of their last five games, including a late season losses at Colorado and Utah. The Wildats are the team that are typically the toast of the Pac-12 Conference. They are the team that wins, the team that is known nationally as the powerhouse, but this season the Oregon Ducks have taken the Pac-12 Regular season crown, and also stormed the McHale Center with a big win, a win that snapped a 49 game home winning streak.
The Oregon Ducks will be facing a mad opponent today and the game will be a great test as Dana Altman looks to get his team to the Pac-12 Championship on Saturday and moving forward into the NCAA Tournament next week. All of the statistics point to Arizona on Friday night in Las Vegas. The Wildcats have more points per game, rebound better, and can finish. Oregon however has several ‘it’ factors. The biggest is Head Coach Dana Altman. The Pac-12 Coach of the Year has gotten his team this far and will look to get the Oregon Ducks of to a quick start against Arizona.
Oregon will have to play small ball early to build confidence. If the Ducks fall behind early, it could be a runaway win for the Wildcats. Early shots will be key, as will staying out of foul trouble and hitting free throws.
"The one deciding factor in my mind for tomorrow’s game is who has the least amount of turnovers. The team with the most turnovers is going to have a tough time winning, because both teams play well defensively, both teams execute offensively, both are hard-headed, tough teams. I think who ever does the best job taking care of the ball between Oregon and Arizona will win the game.Pac-12 Analyst Kevin O’Neill on the rematch between Oregon and Arizona"
Dillon Brooks is averaging close to 17 points per game for the Oregon Ducks. Chris Boucher took care of the Washington Huskies on Thursday with a double double, 19 points and 11 rebounds to go with three blocks. Tyler Dorsey has shown he can hit from long range at any time.
Next: Oregon Avoids Scare From Washington, Moves On To Face Arizona
Tipoff in Las Vegas on Friday night between the Oregon Ducks and Arizona Wildcats is set for 6pm Pacific Time on Pac-12 Network.