Oregon basketball: Shorthanded Ducks top California Baptist for third straight win

Oregon Basketball is in a stretch of games they have to win. Several key players are out with injuries and so far, the plan with a smaller lineup appears to be gelling at the right time. The Ducks earned their third straight victory on Tuesday night beating California Baptist 76-55 to get to 6-2 on the season.

Th e Ducks shot better than 51 percent from the floor and 50 percent from three-point range for the game. After starting the game vs UTEP 0 for 6 from three-point range last Friday, the team was able to find their stroke vs California Baptist. They never trailed in the game taking a 36-31 lead into halftime. Oregon had four players in double figures for the game.

Kario Oquendo led the way with 20 points off of 7 for 12 shooting. Jackson Shelstad finished the game with 17 points and 8 rebounds as Oregon hit 9 of 18 from three-point range. Jermaine Couisnard struggled slightly with just 5 points. He also had four personal fouls. For the second straight game turnovers were an issue, but clearly did not affect the game.

Both teams had 14 turnovers in the game. The Ducks had the advantage scoring 17 points off of California Baptist turnovers. The rebounding battle, one that could have a major impact moving forward saw Oregon with a 34-33 advantage on the boards at the end of the game. I am impressed with what I have seen over the last few games with Oregon.

Every team has to deal with injuries, but it seems that Dana Altman and the Ducks have had the injury bug hanging around the last several seasons. Altman has found a way for eight scholarship players to find success on the floor. The Ducks have won three straight and while it is against opponents in the non-conference part of the schedule, these are still games the team should win despite not being at full strength.

In speaking with Altman last week, the hope is that they may get a player back from injury after Christmas break, which is when Pac-12 play begins in force with the Ducks hosting USC and UCLA. Oregon heads to Idaho for a neutral site game vs Syracuse on Sunday. Tipoff is set for 10am Pacific Time on CBS Sports Network.