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Oregon Ducks Survive Double Overtime vs USC

By Justin Phillips

Oregon Ducks Maite Cazorla hits a free throw vs the USC Trojans at Matthew Knight Arena.Justin Phillips/KPNW Sports
Oregon Ducks Maite Cazorla hits a free throw vs the USC Trojans at Matthew Knight Arena.Justin Phillips/KPNW Sports /
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The USC Trojans Defense stifled Oregon all night, but the Ducks fought back with 21 lead changes to win in Double Overtime 80-74.

The Oregon Ducks returned home after sweeping Washington and Washington State on the road where Ruthy Hebard took over with 79 points in two games. Sabrina Ionescu was effective on the road but thrives at home and was ready for USC on Friday night.

USC started with a steal and a basket to take a 4-0 before Ruthy Hebard hit the first basket for Oregon. Maite Cazorla was the hot hand early hitting back to back three-point shots for the Ducks. Oregon took a 15-10 lead into the first media timeout.

The Oregon Ducks took a 9 point lead into the second quarter after hitting better than 50 percent from the floor in the first quarter. Oregon led 21-12.

The second quarter was all USC. With 4:20 left the Oregon Ducks scored just two points in the quarter with USC closing the gap to within three at 23-20. USC went on a run in the second quarter scoring 14 points, holding the Ducks to just 5 points in the Quarter. The game was tied entering the half at 26.

Oregon would get into foul trouble to start the third quarter helping the USC Trojans to an 8-0 run and a 38-33 lead. Ruthy Hebard picked up her third foul but was a perfect 6 for 6 from the floor. Hebard and Maite Cazorla were getting the points for Oregon. Cazorla was 4 for 5 from three-point range with 5 minutes left in the third quarter.

USC had four steals in the 3rd Quarter and 12 for the game forcing Oregon to 16 turnovers.

Oregon would overcome the turnovers to take a 41-40 lead with just over a minute left in the third quarter. While Oregon did not find easy shots, they were getting foul calls and making free throws. The Ducks took a 45-42 lead into the 4th Quarter.

The Trojans would not go away. Sabrina Ionescu hit a three-point shot with just over 4 minutes left that bounced off the rim and dropped in the bucket. USC followed the play with a two-pointer and a steal to tie the game at 54. At the end of regulation, the game was tied a 62.

It would take two Overtimes for the Oregon Ducks to earn the win. Lexi Bando hit a three-point shot that will go down in history. The ball bounced off the rim, rolled off the top of the backboard and back into the basket. Oregon won the game 80-74. For the fans that were here, they will certainly come back after watching one of the bests Defensive teams in the Pac-12 step up and try to contain the Ducks.

Next: Oregon Baseball Opens Season With Win

Oregon has two days to prepare for a Top 10 Matchup with the 7th ranked UCLA Bruins on Monday night. (7:15 pm PT, ESPN). It is also Senior Night for Oregon as the Ducks honor Bando and Justine Hall.