Oregon Ducks Need A Full Court Effort vs Oregon State

The Oregon Men’s Basketball team has taken some positive steps this season and they need to show on Saturday vs Oregon State.

The Oregon Ducks are playing better basketball of late. Head Coach Dana Altman typically has his teams hitting their stride about now, but this season has not gone to plan. In fact, a late surge may not be enough to get them into the NCAA Tournament. A win this weekend against Oregon State would, however, be a good starting point.

Oregon is coming off a three-point victory over the UCLA Bruins that saw the Ducks hit key free throws down the stretch and finish the game. The Ducks have had a lack of finishing over the last several weeks. Oregon needs to continue with consistent play and compete for wins over the final month of the season.

Two weeks ago, Oregon earned a split on the road against the Arizona Schools. The win against Arizona State looked like it would hold some merit toward the postseason, but the Sun Devils have hit a losing streak, falling most recently to Utah in Overtime Thursday night. It is an odd season for the Pac-12 Conference. Teams are learning as they go and some are doing it better than others. Two teams have been ranked throughout the season in Arizona and Arizona State.

The winner of Oregon and Oregon State could very well have an NCAA Tournament bid in their future. The loser will be headed to the NIT. Matthew Knight Arena is expected to be sold out on Saturday.

Oregon needs to show up on Offense and Defense and be able to stay out of early foul trouble. The Beavers know what they are playing for and a season sweep of the Oregon Ducks is a big accomplishment.

Next: Oregon Football: Ducks Add Former Longtime Alabama Assistant Coach

The Oregon Ducks and Oregon State Beavers tip off Saturday at 5 pm Pacific Time on Pac-12 Network.