The Oregon Ducks (19-5, 8-3 Pac-12) were finally able to get things back on track Saturday against the Utah Utes (10-13, 2-9 Pac-12), winning 73-64 in Mathew Knight Arena.
The Ducks had lost their last three games, including a heartbreaker against Colorado.
It was a tale of two halves for the Ducks. In the first half, they struggled to find a rhythm and were slowed by untimely turnovers. In the second, the Ducks generated more energy and brought the crowd back into the game, allowing them to take the victory.
Oregon won the opening tip and scored the first basket when junior Jonathan Loyd nailed an uncontested three. This was a big shot for Loyd who has struggled to get them to fall in recent games, notably going 0-7 against Colorado. He ended tonight’s game with 7 points.
Utah had trouble keeping Oregon off the boards all night, allowing the Ducks to pull down 11 offensive rebounds in the first and 19 by the end of the game. Arsalan Kazemi and E.J. Singler both had five to lead the team.
Photo: GoDucks.com
Utah led at halftime 30-22 after a last second midrange jumper by senior center Jason Washburn. Jordan Loveridge led the Utes at half with 14 pts on 6-7 shooting. Loveridge ended the game with 14 pts.
The start of the second half was marked by fouls on both sides. Both teams were frustrated by what they felt were missed calls, culminating in Cedric Martin of Utah picking up a technical foul. The technical and subsequent three by Singler got the crowd back into the game as Oregon cut into Utah’s lead. Later, fans became outraged when Loyd was thrown to the floor on an attempted layup. The referees let play go on much to the displeasure of the crowd and players.
Damyean Dotson started to heat up in the second, scoring five straight Oregon points and cutting the lead to 41-38. Loyd was again shaken up after getting hit in the face on a loose ball foul by Utah’s Washburn. After reviewing the play, the referees decided it wasn’t a flagrant foul. Loyd had to be helped into the locker room by the Ducks medical staff. Loyd returned to the game a few minutes later.
Oregon finally took the lead back from Utah with ten minutes left in the second half on a Kazemi free throw. They extended the lead by utilizing a full court press and trap against Utah, going on a 12-2 run. They never looked back as they were able to make their free throws and maintain their lead.
Utah head coach Larry Krystkowiak picked up a technical foul at the end of the game.
Oregon once again spread the scoring duties out. Dotson had 16 pts and 4 rebs while Kazemi had 11 pts and 4 steals. The player of the game for the Ducks was Singler, who had scored 21 pts and added 8 rebs.
With this win, Oregon holds onto second in the conference, one game behind the Arizona Wildcats. Oregon will hit the road next week to take on Washington on Wednesday and Washington State on Saturday.
Game Notes:
Dominic Artis was out for the fifth straight game. Oregon defeated Utah twice last season, handing them their worst loss in school history 94-48 in Mathew Knight Arena. Last game against Oregon State, Utah’s Brandon Taylor, a freshman, scored a season-high 21 points in only his second start. The Oregon Ducks football team was honored at halftime for their Fiesta Bowl victory over Kansas State.