Oregon Basketball: 3 takeaways from monster win over No. 2 Iowa

Iowa may have been a heavy favorite heading into Monday’s game, but Oregon basketball showed up and dominated in the final 20 minutes.

Sweet 16, here they come. Iowa was considered the heavy favorite heading into Monday morning’s round of 32 matchup with Oregon, but the Ducks got hot early and never looked back.

Oregon was feeling it from long-range, hitting 11-of-25 shots while shooting a red-hot 56 percent from the floor as well. The offense was clicking on all cylinders early on and then the defense caught up after an early struggle.

The Ducks struggled to contain Luka Garza all afternoon as he finished with 36 points on 14-of-20 shooting, but they locked down the perimeter and forced 12 turnovers. Oregon also had six blocks and actually tied Iowa on the glass, 34-34. The defense stepped up in the second half and really helped put the game out of reach.

What’d we learn from the Ducks’ huge win over Iowa?

3. Give us more Franck Kepnang

Enrolling in the middle of the season after being a top-50 recruit, Franck Kepnang was already behind the eight-ball. He had a lot of work to do in order to adjust to the college game, especially since all of his peers were already warmed up halfway through the season. But what Kepnang did late in the second half was impressive.

We didn’t expect to see him much in this one as he averages just over eight minutes per game, but he came in and brought some serious energy.

Kepnang finished with four points, two blocks, a rebound and an assists in just a few minutes. He got the bench on their feet and it’s pretty clear that this kid can hang at this level. He matched up with Luka Garza and didn’t do too shabby.

Dana Altman may have found something here, especially if the matchup calls for a true big later in the tourney.