Still not ranked, the Oregon women took their record to 11-1 with a win over the Bobcats in Matthew Knight arena Sunday afternoon, 69-44.
The Ducks trailed early 8-5 but Mia Jacobs got them going with a three-pointer to tie it off an assist by Sofia Bell, then Bell drained a three-pointer of her own, assisted by Ari Long. Another three by Jacobs put them ahead 14-8, off another assist from Bell.
Smart passing and accurate shooting had them out in front 21-10 at the end of the first quarter and 37-14 at the half. Good defense and unselfish play make this a fun team to watch: Starters Bell, Jacobs and Long shot 9-18 from beyond the arc. Super sub Ehis Etute contributed 12 rebounds, three assists, eight points, a steal and a block off the bench 20 minutes.
Big Ten gauntlet awaits as Graves' squad builds tournament resume
The Ducks have games against Portland and Stanford this week before taking on No. 6 Michigan on December 29, Big Ten play from there on out. The conference is monstrously tough this season-- 11 different teams in the league have started 9-1, 10-2 or better, and UCLA, Michigan, Iowa, USC, Michigan State, Maryland, Ohio State, Washington and Nebraska are all in the Top 25. The Terps and the Huskers have started undefeated at 12-0 and 11-0.
Oregon forced 23 turnovers in the win over the Bobcats. "I loved our defensive intensity. I thought we were on point tonight," head coach Kelly Graves said. "They only had two field goals set in the quarter ... So, in their half-court, they made one basket the entire quarter. That's getting it done."