The Oregon Ducks Women’s Basketball team continues this week ranked third in the nation and travel to Saint Mary’s over Thanksgiving Weekend.
Head Coach Kelly Graves knows Saint Mary’s well. He began his career there and spent three seasons there. Sabrina Ionescu will have a homecoming of sorts this week as many of her family will have the chance to travel to see her as she is closer to home. Earlier this season, Oregon played a game in Fairbanks, Alaska to honor Ruthy Hebard.
Earlier this week, Ionescu picked up the 12th double-double of her career but struggled from the floor hitting just 1 for 7. She found a way to find success and Graves said it is a testament to her as a player, “It says we have a lot of really good players. It also says a lot about Sabrina in that she has finds other ways to get it done. I think it was positive all the way around to have that happen against a really good team.”
Oregon faces both UC Riverside and Saint Mary’s this weekend. The Ducks will meet UC Riverside first in the Saint Mary’s Tournament. Graves likes what both teams bring to their respective facets of the game and feels that Oregon will be challenged, “They’re different. UC Riverside. I love their coach, he’s like a mad genius. They do unique things that you don’t see any other teams do. It’s something we won’t see the rest of the year. It’s a good test for us. Saint Mary’s has a veteran team. They’re tough, they’re physical.”
The Ducks put up over 100 points for the first time this season in their 40 point win over Buffalo on Sunday. The plan will be to duplicate the Offensive output on the road.
Oregon plays UC Riverside on Friday at Noon. The Ducks will have a quick turnaround and meet Saint Mary’s on Saturday at 2 pm Pacific Time.
Quotes obtained firsthand at Oregon Women’s Basketball Practice