The Ducks are 20 minutes into their March Madness journey. Despite an excessive number of turnovers for Oregon in the first half, Dana Altman’s squad has pulled away from the South Carolina Gamecocks.
Oregon entered the game as the No. 11 seed with a 23-11 overall record. South Carolina earned the No. 6 seed in the region, sitting at 26-7 overall.
Despite Ta’Lon Cooper’s buzzer-beater from beyond halfcourt, Oregon had the lead as the two teams retreated to their locker rooms.
Halftime: @OregonMBB 34, South Carolina 29.
— Rob Moseley (@GoDucksMoseley) March 21, 2024
Gamecocks didn't hit a field goal after the 8:22 mark of the half — until making a three-quarter court heave to beat the halftime buzzer. #GoDucks
At halftime, the Ducks led 34-29 with just 20 minutes remaining in the First Round matchup.
Fans didn’t hold back their displeasure with Oregon’s turnover issue but they were even quicker to celebrate the Ducks’ ability to clean up their act and control the court.
Freshmen don't seem fazed by the big stage. Game opens with Evans blocking a shot and then Shelstad hitting a three at the other end. #GoDucks
— Rob Moseley (@GoDucksMoseley) March 21, 2024
Jackson Shelstad bangs a three on Oregon's first possession of the day.
— Jarrid Denney (@jarrid_denney) March 21, 2024
Ducks are going to need a big performance out of the freshman today.
Jackson Shelstad contributed 5 points and 2 assists throughout the first half. Fellow freshman Kwame Evans Jr. earned 2 points, 3 rebounds, 2 blocks, and 1 steal of his own.
N’Faly Dante, Oregon’s key to its postseason success, even received praise from the other side of the aisle. Through 20 minutes, Dante had 8 points, 4 rebounds, 1 block, and 1 steal.
N'Faly Dante is doing a very good job making Collin murray boyles non existent in this game. Dude is quietly killin us in the post.
— Mitch West (@SCweather_wx) March 21, 2024
N’faly Dante reminds me of a young embiid
— Baemar Baeyes (@baemar888) March 21, 2024
N’faly Dante is what they think Zach edey is
— Romp (@OfficialRomp) March 21, 2024
Senior guard and former Gamecock Jermaine Couisnard led the Ducks in the first half with 14 points and 4 assists.
Jermaine Couisnard with the tough finish 💪#MarchMadness @OregonMBB pic.twitter.com/cRIrWcZrhT
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 21, 2024
Jermaine Couisnard heating up for Oregon.
— Jarrid Denney (@jarrid_denney) March 21, 2024
Jermaine Couisnard is the real deal!!!
— NISAN (@neeehemiah) March 21, 2024
If the Ducks are going to win this game, they need to reduce their turnovers and increase their rebounds on both ends of the court. Oh, and get Dante the d*mn ball.
Oregon and South Carolina had 8 fouls a piece at the half.
This is Altman’s eighth appearance in the NCAA Tournament with the Ducks, the most recent appearance before this season was in 2021.
In 2017, Oregon marched its way to the Final Four where the Ducks were heartbroken by the North Carolina Tar Heels.