Oregon Basketball: Ducks Lean On Defense In Win Over Colorado

EUGENE, OREGON - FEBRUARY 13: C.J. Walker #14 and Chris Duarte #5 of the Oregon Ducks try and trap Eli Parquet #24 of the Colorado Buffaloes during the first half at Matthew Knight Arena on February 13, 2020 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)
EUGENE, OREGON - FEBRUARY 13: C.J. Walker #14 and Chris Duarte #5 of the Oregon Ducks try and trap Eli Parquet #24 of the Colorado Buffaloes during the first half at Matthew Knight Arena on February 13, 2020 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images) /
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The Colorado Buffaloes came into Matthew Knight Arena as one of the higher-rated offensive teams in the Pac-12, but Oregon found a way to force 17 turnovers in a 60-56 win.

For the Oregon Basketball team, chemistry is starting to come together at the right time. After losing against Colorado earlier this year, the Ducks were able to even season series with the Buffaloes. Shooting came at a premium in a low-scoring game.

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Chris Duarte again led the Ducks with 18 points and a team-high 7 rebounds. Eugene Omoruyi and Will Richardson were the other two players in double figures. Richardson was solid as he is still getting back into form from an injury that kept him out for the better part of the first half of the season. He finished with 11 points off 4 of 10 shooting. He played for 39 minutes. Richardson also had just three turnovers for the game.

Colorado opened the game using their offense and taking an eight-point lead midway through the first half. The Ducks found themselves down at halftime but used turnovers in the second half to get back into it. The Buffaloes committed 11 turnovers in the second half allowing Oregon to get the lead midway through the final period.

One player who was a difference-maker was Freshman Franck Kepnang.  He reclassified before the season and was able to join Oregon for the 2020 season. While it has taken some time for him to get up to speed and playing shape in the college game, he was able to show off his talent and ability vs Colorado blocking several shots and deflecting some others in the win.

The Oregon Ducks have won four games in a row and thank to the pandemic, will have to play makeup over the coming weeks. They will now play three games over the next week including one against USC on the road to makeup for one cancelled earlier this season.

Oregon returns to the court at Matthew Knight Arena on Saturday to host the Utah Utes. Tipoff is set for 6 pm Pacific Time on Pac-12 Networks.