The Ducks went farther than anyone thought was possible this postseason. Depleted to just eight scholarship players, Dana Altman led Oregon to the last-ever Pac-12 Tournament title and to the Second Round of March Madness.
Oregon went shot for shot with the Creighton Bluejays for the 40 minutes of regulation. And then 5 more minutes in the first overtime.
However, inconsistent shooting from the team as a whole and some unideal choices as the final seconds disappeared led to the Ducks heading home and the Bluejays moving on.
Creighton defeated Oregon 86-73 for the Bluejays’ second consecutive appearance in the Sweet Sixteen.
Final in Pittsburgh.
— Oregon Men's Basketball (@OregonMBB) March 24, 2024
What a game.#GoDucks pic.twitter.com/j0iJR1QlUj
Jermaine Couisnard was once again a highlight for the Ducks as he amassed 32 points and 8 rebounds.
I love Jermaine Couisnard
— Barstool Ducks (@BarstoolDucks) March 24, 2024
I just smashed my TV in front of 30 guests at my party because of the game. My wife just took our crying kids and said they’re all spending the week at a hotel. This team has ruined my life and my party. I can’t handle this anymore. Goodbye Oregon MBB. I am no longer a fan. I…
— Geaux Ducks (@GeauxDuck) March 24, 2024
Heartbreak in Pittsburgh 🙃🫣
— Barstool Ducks (@BarstoolDucks) March 24, 2024
That Creighton-Oregon game is everything that’s great about college basketball. A chess match between two great coaches and excellent effort from every player on the floor.
— Jacob Camenker (@JacobCamenker) March 24, 2024
The Ducks just ran out of gas, but Couisnard and Dante did everything they could to win.
Damn. What a rough way to lose.
— Marc Grandi (@MarcGrandi) March 24, 2024
Otherworldly effort by Couisnard and Dante. And a hell of a season, Oregon.
Proud to be a Duck, always!
N’Faly Dante also had an impressive game as he earned yet another double-double with 28 points and 20 rebounds.
Dante and Couisnard were the only Ducks to score for the entire second half, a feat that clearly wasn’t sustainable for Oregon to win.
Well, a tough way for the season to end, but definitely reason for the Ducks to leave with their heads held high.
— Zachary Neel (@zacharycneel) March 24, 2024
Career performances from N'Faly Dante and Jermaine Couisnard. A battle to the very end against a championship contender.
Just not enough players to step up and…
In March, you can’t rely on just two play makers. Not sustainable. But still a heck of a run by Oregon. So many counted them out in the PAC-12 tourney and first round. Couisnard and Dante have a lot to be proud of.
— Julia Lobaina (@julia_lobaina) March 24, 2024
SCO DUCKS 🦆
Jackson Shelstad heartbreakingly hurt his knee as the minutes dwindled and had to sit on the bench, watching on as his teammates saw the game slip from their fingers.
Shelstad is back on the Oregon bench, at least, but with a wrap on his knee. Not a great sign for the rest of this one, and potentially beyond if it comes to that. #GoDucks
— Rob Moseley (@GoDucksMoseley) March 24, 2024
Jackson Shelstad headed back to the Oregon locker room.
— Jarrid Denney (@jarrid_denney) March 24, 2024
Ducks are down to seven scholarship players.
With such a young team, and hopefully many players returning after sitting out most of the season due to injury, the Ducks have a bright future ahead of them. For now, Oregon fans are clinging to that hope.
Beyond impressed Oregon was able to hang in through 2H and even in 1OT. If they had won that would’ve been the most impressive win I’ve seen from Ducks all things considered. Hope we can stay healthy and reload for next year.
— Ryder (@CoolRyde) March 24, 2024