No one saw this coming. It’s doubtful even the Ducks themselves saw this coming.
Oregon just did something no other Pac-12 team has done as the Ducks went down to Los Angeles and completed a road sweep over two Top 5 teams.
After stunning No. 3 UCLA 84-81 in overtime, the Ducks avoided the letdown and took it to No. 5 USC from the opening tip and came out on top 79-69.
Point guard Will Richardson showed why he has the capability of being the best point guard in the conference with a career-high 28 points. He shot 9-of-15 from the field, including 5-of-8 from three-point land.
But he had help.
N’Faly Dante played Isaiah Mobley even on both ends of the floor with 12 points, seven rebounds and two blocks. De’Vion Harmon poured in 16 to contribute to the winning effort.
Now at 11-6 and 4-3 in conference, the Ducks suddenly look like a sure NCAA tournament team. Just two weeks ago, making the NIT was in question. But everything has changed with two huge wins in Los Angeles.