Oregon Ducks Can’t Overlook Struggling Cal

Dana Altman and the Oregon Ducks will face a challenge on the road against a dangerous team in Cal.

The Oregon Ducks take a two-game winning streak on the road to take on the California Golden Bears. Last season, it was a run that started and lasted all the way to the Final Four. I don’t think this Oregon team has enough experience to put one like it together, but they do have the talent to find their way into the NCAA Tournament.

A test against a team that has their back against the wall in the Pac-12 is where they will have to begin. The California Golden Bears have the talent, but just like the Ducks, lack the experience. The Golden Bears are 8-15 on the season and just 1-8 in the Pac-12, but they have played opponents tough this season.

Cal has lost eight straight games and return home with their big man Marcus Lee averaging over 20 points the last three games. For Oregon, Payton Pritchard has come on of late putting up 16 points per game and playing a key role in the Ducks win over UCLA, 94-91. Pritchard hit key free throws down the stretch keying an Oregon win over the Bruins.

While Cal doesn’t seem to have much to play for at 8-15, they are still a team not to be overlooked. They get Oregon on Thursday night and face Oregon State on Saturday. Oregon faces a better test on Saturday against the Stanford Cardinal. Stanford is in NCAA Tournament contention since much of their Starting Front Court was out the first part of the non-conference slate.

Next: Oregon Football Recruiting: Ducks Add Two Wide Receiver Commitments

The Oregon Ducks and California Golden Bears tip off Thursday at 6 pm Pacific Time on Pac-12 Network.