After demolishing the Arizona State Sun Devils, Oregon’s sights are set on the big prize of the season… No. 9 Arizona.
The teams are currently sitting at the top of the Pac-12 and this must-win matchup could not only determine the regular season standings but could be a preview of what’s to come in the conference tournament.
The Ducks look to continue their hot streak at home, currently going undefeated at Matthew Knight Arena.
Havin' fun.@OregonMBB remains undefeated at home this season, defeating ASU 80-61. #GoDucks pic.twitter.com/shYtkvbvOW
— GoDucks (@GoDucks) January 26, 2024
Meanwhile, the Wildcats are hopeful to take down the (slightly) surprising beast that Oregon has evolved into this season.
I expect this to be a highly physical, extremely close game that goes down to the last few seconds if not into overtime.
How to watch Oregon vs. Arizona
- Location: Matthew Knight Arena, Eugene, OR
- Game time: January 27, 2:30 p.m. PT
- TV/Live Stream: FOX
- Radio/Audio: Oregon Sports Network
- Live stats: StatBroadcast
Key matchups:
With Oregon’s bigs N’Faly Dante and Nate Bittle back in action, the Ducks’ defense looked impenetrable on Thursday night against ASU. Allowing just 61 points, the team looked in top form heading into the ever-important matchup with the Wildcats.
For the Ducks to walk away with this victory, they will need to focus on shutting down Caleb Love.
The Wildcat guard is currently leading the team with an average of 18.4 points as well as 4.8 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game.
Love is joined by center Oumar Ballo who leads the team in rebounds with 9.0 a game, he will be met with the height and power of the Dante-Bittle combination which should be able to slow him down.
Love will most likely be guarded by Jackson Shelstad or Jermaine Couisnard if the Ducks are in man-to-man defense.
However, I think it would best suit the Ducks to maintain a zone defense to slow down the Wildcats and prevent a single Oregon player from taking the heat of their powerful offense.
Love runs the court with fellow guard Kylan Boswell who is adept at creating space and opportunities for his teammates to put the ball in the basket. Boswell leads Arizona with 3.7 assists per game.
Oregon injury report:
Bittle made his return to the court on Thursday in the Ducks’ game against Arizona State. He had been sidelined due to injury since late last year.
Bittle’s back 📈 #GoDucks pic.twitter.com/iZkKKDj7vM
— Oregon Men's Basketball (@OregonMBB) January 26, 2024
Jesse Zarzuela is still categorized as out for the remainder of the season with an ankle injury.
Arizona injury report:
The Wildcats have two players marked as out for the season.
Forward Henri Veesaar has been out with an elbow injury since the middle of the month. He has since opted to take a redshirt and forego the remainder of the season.
Forward Dylan Anderson opted to take a redshirt at the beginning of the season and will not see playing time until next year.