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Oregon Basketball: Ducks Open 2018 Hosting Portland State

By Justin Phillips

LAS VEGAS, NV - MARCH 09: Head coach Dana Altman of the Oregon Ducks signals his players during a semifinal game of the Pac-12 basketball tournament against the USC Trojans at T-Mobile Arena on March 9, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Trojans won 74-54. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - MARCH 09: Head coach Dana Altman of the Oregon Ducks signals his players during a semifinal game of the Pac-12 basketball tournament against the USC Trojans at T-Mobile Arena on March 9, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Trojans won 74-54. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /
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Oregon Basketball opens the 2018 season Tuesday night hosting Portland State and looking for their 21st straight home-opening win.

Last week, Western Oregon came to Eugene for an exhibition game and the first half was tough to watch. Oregon had turnovers galore and it appeared that Western Oregon had a formula by passing over everything to compete with Oregon. In the end, the Ducks came away with the win 77-58 and the team put up some key highlights led by Freshman Bol Bol who had a three-pointer, off balance with a player in his chest.

This season will be fun for the Oregon Ducks, but the problems that reared their head early last week may be around for the season. Last year the team struggled to find consistency with players on the court an at times key players like Troy Brown appeared lost, especially on the road. A new season opens tonight and a long offseason was spent working on some of the issues that plagued the team last year.

Payton Pritchard did not play against Western Oregon but is expected to be on the court Tuesday night against Portland State.

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Last season Portland State finished at 20-14. Oregon finished at 23-13. PSU beat Stanford and Cal last season en route to a 10-3 record in non-conference play. They have talent and the ability to play with anyone entering 2018 and could give the Ducks, who are in transition, a challenge. Jamie Orme is the player to watch. He posted a double-double in the Vikings exhibition opener against Multnomah. He posted 11 points, 14 rebounds, and 3 steals.

Payton Pritchard will be back to lead the Offense, but the Oregon Basketball Defense will be worth the watch Tuesday night. Bol Bol and Kenny Wooten should help key the defensive effort and both could have big nights. With Will Richardson and Louis King out with injuries, the Ducks bench will also be a key to the non-conference slate. Victor Bailey Jr. showed last season that he can play and also hit three-pointers. His postseason appearance against Ryder at Matthew Knight Arena was an impressive display.

The Oregon Ducks host the Portland Pilots Saturday at 8 pm Pacific Time from Matthew Knight Arena. The game will be broadcast on Pac-12 Network.

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