The game marked just the sixth time that a Big Ten team played at Matthew Knight Arena. After winning their first two games against UC Irvine and UCF, Oregon basketball welcomed Wisconsin to Eugene. The Ducks hit the first two baskets of the game.
Nate Bittle saw some early foul trouble and midway through the first half, Wisconsin had a 17-11 lead. The Ducks had yet to hit a three-pointer and the Badgers were finding success with 5-second chance points hitting 47 percent from the floor midway through the first half.
Both teams hit 3+ minute scoring droughts leading to the break. Wisconsin shot 25 percent from three-point range in the first half, while Oregon was just 1 for 10 from distance. The Badgers also had a lead in the rebound battle 21-16 leaving work to be done in the second half for Oregon.
Despite being down 27-26, Oregon did play faster on the floor than Wisconsin, which would have to continue in the second half. Nate Bittle, Lok Wur, and Kel’el Ware each had two fouls. Ware also missed his last five shots heading into the locker room.
Both teams exchanged baskets for the first eight minutes of the second half before Oregon found a 10-0 run exciting the crowd and pushing a slim lead. It was 45-37 with just under 10 minutes remaining in the game. In the opening 10 minutes of the second half, Oregon had 19 points, Wisconsin scored 10 and the Badgers were 1 for 12 on field goal attempts coming out of the locker room.
The final ten minutes saw Wisconsin pull ahead and Oregon fight to get to a tie game with seconds remaining. Quincy Guerrier had a look at the final three-pointer of the season for the Ducks as Oregon fell in the third round of the NIT to see their season come to a close. The final score was 61-58 thanks in part to a key three-pointer by Chucky Hepburn who finished the game with 12 points hitting two of five from three-point range for the Badgers.
The headline of the game for Oregon was free throws or lack thereof. Wisconsin finished 12 of 13 from the charity stripe. Oregon was just 4 for 12 for a clear difference in the game.
Oregon finishes the season at 21-14, and 15-5 at Matthew Knight Arena. It was previously announced that Jermaine Couisnard and N’Faly Dante will return next season.
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