Oregon Ducks find a win vs Washington after giving up big lead

Oregon is working toward getting healthy and on Thursday night, they took a 20-point lead into the final ten minutes of the game and nearly lost to a Washington Huskies team that was looking like they were worthy of an upset.  

I feel like this team took a step on Thursday, and it was forward. Somehow, Dana Altman always finds a way for his teams at this point in the year.

Of course, you can point to the injuries...the fact that their two big men have missed most of the season, but players have stepped up and stepped in this season and Oregon again has found ways to win.

The most important wins are the ones at home and the Ducks have lost just one game at Matthew Knight Arena this season, against Arizona.  

On Thursday night, it was Jermaine Couisnard who led the way for the Ducks with 27 points leading four starters in double figures. Oregon had some bad moments; the worst was a scoreless streak in the final ten minutes that went over seven and a half minutes without a field goal.

The Ducks did have successful trips at the free throw line, but Washington nearly completed a 20-point comeback. 

It was an 85-80 win helping Oregon maintain second place in the Pac-12 behind Arizona who had their hands full playing at Utah and winning following multiple overtimes.

Both Oregon and Washington had double digits in turnovers, the Ducks with 11, Washington had 15.  

Washington came into the game not shooting very well from distance and it showed. However, when they needed to make shots in key moments, they ended up falling.

For Oregon, Couisnard hit 4 of 9 from downtown and Brennan Rigsby was 2 for 3 from distance helping the Ducks to 33 percent on the night.  

The goal for now is second place in the Pac-12. Oregon can keep their hold with a win on Saturday against Washington State. Tipoff is set for 2 p.m. on the Pac-12 Network.