Oregon Ducks Ready For Challenge At USC

The Oregon Ducks and USC Trojans are fighting for position in a tight Pac-12 Conference Race.

The Trojans have a one-game lead at 8-5 with the Ducks at 7-5. Both teams need the win to help with their postseason chances. Five of the Oregon Ducks final opponents rank well in the RPI entering this weekend.

Oregon has gone on a run at the right time winning five of their last six games in Conference. The play of Troy Brown has been a big improvement over that span. In some cases, the talented Freshman has taken over games. The Ducks have also found the way to finish getting the lead in their last two games against Washington and Washington State and not letting up till the final buzzer.

The USC Trojans have lost three straight games, but still have the inside track as a ‘Final Four In’ for the NCAA Tournament according to Joe Lunardi of ESPN in his latest ‘Bracketology.’ Benny Boatwright is the player to watch. He has faced Oregon enough and his experience against the Ducks could mean a big night for him on Thursday night at the Galen Center.

Jordan McLaughlin leads not only USC, but also the Pac-12 Conference in Assists. He is averaging 12 points, and close to 10 assists per game this season. If the Oregon Ducks can quiet the crowd early and build an early lead, the experience of the last two weeks could carry them to an important road win. The Ducks must also not get caught looking ahead to their next game at UCLA on Saturday.

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The Oregon Ducks and USC Trojans tip off at 6 pm Pacific Time on ESPN2.