Women’s NCAA Tournament: Oregon Ducks Make First Ever Sweet 16, Beat 2 Seed Duke

The Oregon Ducks had a three point barrage that could not be matched by the Duke Blue Devils and made the first Sweet 16 in school history winning 74-65.

Duke was among several schools in the NCAA Tournament with injuries. Following the loss of Kyra Lambert, the Blue Devils looked to Lexie Brown. She had 25 points.. Rebecca Greenwell had an uncharacterisitic night shooting 0 for 6 from long range. The Oregon Ducks seemed to step on the gas from the start and never look back.

The Oregon Ducks are one of the tallest teams in the NCAA Tournament. Not only that, but the team has no history here. No history of playing in the postseason. No history of the pressure. With three Freshman on the floor all season, Kelly Graves is the only head coach entering the Sweet 16 that starts a three Freshman lineup that is now getting National Attention for not playing like underclassmen.

Oregon took advantage and shot 45 percent on Duke’s home floor while holding the Blue Devils to 38 percent on the night. Oregon was lights out from beyond the arc hitting nine three pointers and pulling down 43 rebounds. Four Ducks were in double figures led by Ruthy Hebard with 20 points and 15 rebounds for a double double. Offensive Efficiency was off the charts as Oregon had 20 assists led by Sabrina Ionescu with 6.

The Sweet 16 now takes the Oregon Ducks to Connecticut, a place where teams don’t go to win. 3 Seed Maryland is up next, but Oregon won’t look ahead. Right now, the Oregon Ducks are the most dangerous team in the Sweet 16 and are playing with house money.

Next: Pac-12 Conference Well Represented In NCAA Tournament Sweet 16

Oregon and Maryland meet Saturday. Gametime has not yet been announced.