Oregon Ducks Basketball Instant Reactions: Ducks beat Indiana to advance in tournament
Oregon Ducks Basketball Instant Reactions: Ducks beat Indiana to advance in tournament
The Oregon Ducks are still rolling in the Big Ten tournament after beating the Indiana Hoosiers, 72-59, on Thursday morning, extending their win streak to eight games and advancing to the quarterfinals of the Big Ten tournament.
From the tip to the final three minutes, this game was tight. With 7:33 to go Malik Reneau sunk a layup for the Hoosiers, to make the score 56-54 Oregon. But at that moment, Oregon's defense flipped a switch, and Indiana didn't score for over five minutes. Bam Tracey laced a quick three, and in a snap, Oregon's lead was double-digits.
Oregon's success on Thursday didn't come solely from their stars, like it did on Sunday when Nate Bittle scored 36 points against Washington. Bittle scored just seven points on eight shots against Indiana (although he played stellar defense), and Jackson Shelstad hit just one field goal in the second half (he scored 12 points in the first). Instead, the Ducks had contributions from everyone on the floor, combining to shoot just under 50% from the field.
The Ducks have quick turnaround in Indianapolis, as they are set to face off with the Michigan State Spartans — the Big Ten regular season champions — on Friday morning. The Ducks are 0-1 against the Spartans this season, but they are playing their best basketball at the right time.
Oregon vs Indiana Keys to the Game
Both teams got their opportunities through their big men in the post, but what made the difference for Oregon was its outside shooting. The Ducks made eight threes on 20 shots from deep, while the Hoosiers hit four of 16, going for a long stretch in the second half without hitting a three.
Oregon shot the ball with much more efficiency than Indiana, but the Ducks' carelessness with the ball is what kept the Hoosiers in the game. Oregon turned the ball over nine times in the first half and five times in the second half. Those extra possessions are what Indiana needed to keep the game close.
After playing lockdown defense in the first half, the Ducks' defense came out slow in the second half, allowing the Hoosiers far too many open looks. But in the final seven minutes, Oregon's defense tightened right back up. In that time the Hoosiers made just two baskets on 11 shots, allowing the Ducks to pull away for a comfortable win.
With two elite big men in Oumar Ballo and Reneau, the Hoosiers were active on the offensive glass. Indiana came down with 13 offensive boards and scored nine second chance points. When a team out shoots its opponent by such a wide margin like Oregon did on Thursday (49% for Oregon to 36% from Indiana), those extra possessions are what keeps the game close.
Oregon vs Indiana Players of the Game
TJ Bamba: 17 points, 6/9 FGs, 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal
17 points, 6/9 FGs, 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal Jackson Shelstad: 18 points, 6/13 FGs, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal
18 points, 6/13 FGs, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal Nate Bittle : 7 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 steals, 2 blocks
: 7 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 steals, 2 blocks Brandon Angel: 14 points, 6/8 FGs, 3 rebounds, 1 steal
14 points, 6/8 FGs, 3 rebounds, 1 steal KJ Evans: 4 points, 7 rebounds
Oregon vs Indiana Notable Stats
After two abysmal three-point shooting performances against Washington (24%) and Indiana in the regular season (28.6%), the Ducks were efficient from deep on Thursday, hitting 8/20 (40%).
The Ducks bench is usually one of their strengths, but in Thursday's game they scored just seven points, and the Hoosiers' second unit went for 19.
When it wins, Oregon is usually effective on the fast break, but on Thursday, neither team was able to get things going in transition offense. Oregon scored six fastbreak points and Indiana scored four.
Oregon shot 12/15 (80%) from the free throw line while the Hoosiers were just 5/10 (50%).
What's Next for the Oregon Ducks
Michigan State Spartans — Mar. 14th
Big Ten Tournament Continues — Mar. 15th-16th
Selection Sunday — Mar. 16th
NCAA Tournament First Round — Mar. 20th-21st
The Oregon Ducks' run in the Big Ten tournament will continue at 9 a.m. on Friday against the top-seeded Michigan State Spartans. The Spartans took down the Ducks, 86-74, in East Lansing earlier this season, but the Ducks have the momentum of an eight-game win streak on their side.
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