Utah came into tonight’s game against Oregon averaging 86 points a game and it’s a big reason why the Utes are No. 16 in the nation.
When it was halftime, Utah had 21 and the Ducks had a huge upset within their grasp.
But by the time the third quarter ended, Oregon’s 29-21 halftime lead was completely erased as the Utes outscored the Ducks 22-7 and held a 43-36 lead.
Oregon pulled to within three in the fourth quarter, but couldn’t get over the hump and Utah escaped with a 58-48 win.
This was a victory not only did this Duck team need, but the program as a whole and unfortunately they couldn’t muster enough offense. Oregon is now 11-10 overall and 2-6 in conference play with No. 3 Colorado next.
The loss wasted a great game from Phillipina Kyei who led all scorers with 19 points and 16 rebounds. Chance Gray added 18 points, but no other Duck could approach double figures.
In the second half, the Utes broke down the Ducks 2-3 zone and found open 12-foot jumpers, mostly from Alissa Pili. She scored all 16 of her points after halftime as the Ducks never adjusted to her becoming hot from the field.
The Utes were just 4-of-20 from three-point land in the first half, but in the second half, the Utes were 4-of-10, including three straight which brought them back in the game during that big third quarter.
Oregon doesn’t have much time to get over the defeat as No. 3 Colorado looms on Sunday. The Buffaloes won’t come into Matthew Knight Arena happy campers as they are coming off an upset loss to the Beavers in Corvallis.