Oregon basketball can build on much-needed win over Utah

Oregon basketball picked up a much needed win against Utah 79-66. It was also the Ducks’ first conference win of the season.

As has been the case for most of the season thus far, Oregon basketball will only go as far as Will Richardson can take it. While talented, an injury hampered his 2020-21 season and he is the most experienced player on the floor for the Ducks, among newcomers and transfers that are working to find chemistry with the Ducks’ longest-tenured player.

The Duck were down at halftime but found a groove in the second half finishing the game hitting 6-of-8 on their final field goals. They also held Utah scoreless for the final two and a half minutes of the game securing their first Pac-12 win of the season and their first victory of 2022.

Jacob Young finished the game with 22 points and De’Vion Harmon also finished in double digits with 11 points for the Ducks.

The defensive effort was impressive throughout the game. Oregon held Utah to 40 percent shooting from the floor and just 28 percent from three-point range for the game. The Ducks were also able to stay out of foul trouble for most of the game, allowing the team to maximize their opportunities on the floor.

It has been a rough start to the season for Oregon. Typically a Dana Altman team is able to find chemistry to start the season and also find some wins along the way. This has not been the case this season, but a win over Utah — and a Pac-12 victory — is something this team can build on for the rest of the regular season.

Oregon returns to Matthew Knight Arena to face Colorado on Monday night. Tipoff against the Buffaloes is set for 7 p.m. PST.