Oregon Ducks Look To Bounce Back vs UCLA Bruins
The Oregon Ducks face a UCLA team that has won seven games since losing to Oregon earlier this season. The Bruins are hitting close to 40 percent from three-point range.
Oregon Head Coach Kelly Graves spoke last weekend after the Ducks loss to Oregon State on the road. Midway through the second quarter, Ruthy Hebard went down with a knee injury. We know now that she is day to day with a bone bruise. I expect Oregon will keep her out of the games this weekend as a precaution.
Satou Saballly and Sabrina Ionescu have had the hot hands for the Oregon Ducks over recent weeks. Sabally is averaging better than 20 points per game in Pac-12 play. Ionescu nearly had enough to tie the game last weekend against Oregon State but was called for a travel in the final seconds. Oregon has players that have the experience and chemistry to play with anyone, even if a key player is out of the lineup.
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If Ruthy Hebard is not playing vs UCLA, I expect that Oti Gildon could see an increase in minutes vs the Bruins. Taylor Chavez came in and played well against Oregon State, hitting a big three-pointer in the final minutes. Graves has playmakers at his disposal, but the Bruins also have playmakers of late.
Michaela Onyenwere is putting up 18 points per game for UCLA. The Bruins have won seven of their last nine games since losing to Oregon in Eugene earlier this season. Lajahna Drummer is another player to watch putting up nine points and nine rebounds per game. Rebounds will be at a premium on Friday night. Oregon will look to maintain a comfortable lead on the Pac-12 race, while UCLA will look to make things uncomfortable for the Ducks.
Oregon and UCLA tipoff at 8 pm Pacific Time on the Pac-12 Network.