NCAA Tournament: Oregon Ducks Start Slow, Survive vs Rhode Island

Mar 19, 2017; Sacramento, CA, USA; Oregon Ducks guard Tyler Dorsey (5) celebrates with teammates after the win against Rhode Island Rams during the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 19, 2017; Sacramento, CA, USA; Oregon Ducks guard Tyler Dorsey (5) celebrates with teammates after the win against Rhode Island Rams during the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Oregon Offense struggled against one of the Top Defenses in the Atlantic 10, but came away with a 75-72 win to move onto the Sweet 16.

The Oregon Ducks have had bad games this year, but not many. The way the matchup with Rhode Island started was turnover laden for the Ducks, but the team regrouped and found a small spark in the second half. As fans were in the edge of their couches, Tyler Dorsey was the hero on Sunday.

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The Sophomore had 27 points, none more important that a three-pointer in the final minute. Dorsey was the Player of the Game shooting nine of ten from the floor. He also found a role on Defense with five rebounds adding to three steals to go with three assists.

Equally important was the Defensive sequence to follow. Oregon had a foul to give, and took it with 12 seconds left to reset. Jordan Bell found the positioning to secure the win as the clock ran out against the Rams.

Rhode Island deserves credit. There were talented, experienced and tenacious on Defense. It was one of the most physical battles I have seen Oregon play all season and there are more to come. Dillon Brooks shot 7 for 20 for the game, but started 1 for 6. He tallied 19 for the Ducks.

Rhode Island shot better than 50 percent from the field, but were held scoreless in the final two minutes of the game. Oregon put together a 20-10 run and a 10-7 run to get back to a tie game in the final few minutes.

Next: Oregon Women's Basketball Face Duke Monday Night

The Oregon Ducks are set to face Michigan out of the Big Ten Conference on Thursday.