Oregon Women’s Basketball: Ducks Defense Struggles In Loss To Mississippi State

Oregon Ducks take on Colorado State at Matthew Knight Arena.Justin Phillips/KPNW Sports
Oregon Ducks take on Colorado State at Matthew Knight Arena.Justin Phillips/KPNW Sports /
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The Oregon Women’s Basketball team(8-2) lost on the road against Mississippi State on Wednesday.

Oregon has lost to 5th ranked Louisville and on Wednesday lost to 5th ranked Mississippi State on the road. The Ducks struggled at the start and they were unable to catch up.

Mississippi State got off to a quick 8 point advantage in the first quarter. Teaira McCowan kept MSU ahead with a double-double before halftime finishing the game with 35 points. For the Oregon Ducks, four scored in double figures led by Ruthy Hebard.

The Sophomore had 25 points with the Ducks putting in 44 points from inside the paint. The Ducks hit 50 percent from long range. Lexi Bando had an off-game going 0 for 1. She finished with 2 points in 21 minutes.

Oregon outshot Mississippi State but gave up 15 turnovers leading to 9 points. Both teams were efficient on offense with 15 assists. What the Ducks lacked was Defense down the stretch. The Ducks lost 90-79.

Mississippi State ended the game in the final minute with a block, a steal and forced Sabrina Ionescu into a turnover on the Ducks final possession. Ionescu finished with 15 points and 5 assists to go with 4 turnovers. The game was a good early season test for Oregon. Mississippi State played deeper than Oregon in the NCAA Tournament last year.

Next: Oregon Football Recruiting: Future Wide Receivers?

Up next for Oregon, the Ducks return home to Matthew Knight Arena on Sunday to face another team from the SEC in Ole Miss. Autzen Zoo will have Live Coverage on our Twitter Stream.

Tipoff is set for 1 pm PT on Pac-12 Network.