The Oregon Ducks set the pace in the second half vs Ball State as four players were in double figures in a final tune-up for the Phil Knight Invitational.
The Oregon Men’s Basketball team started the game aggressive on the boards putting up 7 points in the first four minutes. Troy Brown started the scoring on the Ducks third possession. MiKyle McIntosh had the hot hand early with 5 points helping Oregon to 43 percent shooting in the first few minutes.
Ball State took a brief lead before Elijah Brown was fouled at the top of the key with a two-point shot that rolled around the rim and in bringing the crowd to life at Matthew Knight Arena. He completed the three point play on the foul, but Ball State came back to retake the lead 14-12. The Cardinals took a 16-14 lead into the second media timeout with just under 12 minutes left in the first half.
The Cardinals showed they could score going on an 11-0 run over 1:41 to pull ahead, but Oregon struck back with two three-pointers to take a 30-29 lead. The Ducks answered with a run of their own with nine points in two minutes. This was the most competitive non-conference game that Oregon had to this point.
Oregon had a 42-33 lead as the first half came to a close.
The Ducks came out firing in the second half and put up 14 points, including an 8-0 run over the first four minutes. Ball State had two second-half points. Elijah Brown put up back to back three point shots followed by a basket by Paul White forcing the first timeout of the second half. Oregon led 56-35.
Oregon picked up the pace in the second half hitting over 80 percent from the floor and pushing their lead to 74-46 with 10 minutes left in the game. Both teams had 9 turnovers, but the Oregon Bench was having their way with Ball State. Elijah Brown led with 17 off the bench. Five
Ducks scored in double figures for the third straight game as Oregon put away Ball State 95-71. Oregon outrebounded the Cardinals 45-31.
Payton Pritchard finished with 20 points for the first time this season.
Next: Oregon Football: Ducks Run Past Arizona
Oregon now prepares for the Phil Knight Invitational and a meeting with Connecticut on Thanksgiving night at 6 pm Pacific time on ESPNU.