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Oregon Basketball: Ducks Can’t Hold 29 Point Lead, Lose At UCLA

By Justin Phillips

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 16: Paul White #13, Will Richardson #0, and Kenny Wooten #14 of the Oregon Ducks look on during a time out in the first half of the game against Syracuse Orange during the 2k Empire Classic at Madison Square Garden on November 16, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 16: Paul White #13, Will Richardson #0, and Kenny Wooten #14 of the Oregon Ducks look on during a time out in the first half of the game against Syracuse Orange during the 2k Empire Classic at Madison Square Garden on November 16, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /
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The Oregon Ducks built an impressive first-half lead against UCLA, but poor second half shooting cost them the game, 90-83.

Head Coach Dana Altman went in with a great plan against UCLA. Paul White was involved early and had key points. Louis King was able to find ways to make his own shot. Oregon built a 29 point first half lead against the Bruins, but UCLA had other plans in the second half. The Ducks shot 63 percent from the floor in the first half, but cooled off to 36 percent from the floor in the second half, allowing the Bruins back in the game. The more experienced team on Saturday night.

Oregon was competitive throughout the game and for the most part, stayed out of foul trouble. Five Ducks scored in double figures led by Paul White and Payton Pritchard with 18. Pritchard again seems to have rediscovered his shot after struggling at times over the last month. He was 6 of 13 from the floor and 2 for 7 from three-point range. Pritchard finished the game with four fouls.

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UCLA outrebounded the Ducks 36-31 and that was a big difference in the game. The Ducks won the turnover battle (11 to 12). Defensively Oregon had 6 blocks and 2 steals. Offensive efficiency was also on the favor of Oregon with 20 to the Bruins 18 assists on the night.

The Bruins finished the game a perfect 6 for 6 from the floor pulling away for a seven-point win.

The Oregon Ducks had an opportunity this weekend to make a move in the right direction of the Pac-12 Standings, but the path to the NCAA Tournament is now likely pointing toward winning the marathon in five games that will be the Pac-12 Tournament next month in Las Vegas. Oregon has shown they can play and compete with anyone in the Conference.

Oregon finishes the Pac-12 Regular season over the next two weeks, facing Arizona State and Arizona next weekend at Matthew Knight Arena. The Ducks then head to Washington to take on the Cougars and the Washington Huskies, the hottest team in the Pac-12.

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