This is only November, but the Oregon Ducks men’s basketball team is playing like they’re ready for March.
After handing a 10-point loss to Texas A&M, the Ducks came out a day later and defeated San Diego State 78-68 in the second game of the Player’s Era Festival.
Oregon will play for the championship on Saturday against a team to be determined.
There would be no need for a rally on this day with the Ducks grabbing a lead late in the first half and played San Diego State even for the last 20 minutes of the game. The Aztecs pulled to within four midway through the second half, but never got any closer.
Ducks vs. Aztecs Keys to the Game
- Oregon had a much better first half than it did against Texas A&M as the Ducks took a 41-31 halftime lead.
- It was 29-29, but Oregon ended the half on a 12-2 run, thanks to Jackson Shelstad’s quick five points during that stretch.
- Oregon dominated on the boards, again quite the difference from the first game. The Ducks doubled the Aztecs in the rebound column of the stat sheet, outrebounding San Diego State 24-12. Many of those were of the offensive variety. Oregon had 18 second-chance points to the Aztecs’ zero.
- San Diego State made some adjustments and didn’t allow any more second-chance points, but every time the Aztecs made a run and threatened, TJ Bamba would hit a big shot.
- Oregon constantly changed defenses on the Aztecs to keep them on their toes and for the most part, it worked. The Ducks changed zones and while SDSU hit a few outside shots, they weren’t nearly enough to bring the Aztecs all the way back.
- Bamba played his best game as a Duck as he stayed out of foul trouble and made himself an offensive threat on the inside and outside.
Ducks vs. Aztecs Players of the Game
- TJ Bamba: 22 points, 4-6 from the three-point line, 5 assists
- Jackson Shelstad: 12 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists
- Keeshawn Barthelemy: 16 points, 3-4 from three
- Brandon Angel: 12 points, 6 rebounds
- Nate Bittle: 11 points, 9 rebounds
- BJ Davis (SDSU): 18 points
Ducks vs. Aztecs Notable Stats
- Oregon: 25-of-56 FG (45 percent), SDSU: 29-of-57 FG (51 percent)
- Oregon: 10-of-22 (46 percent) 3-pt FG, SDSU: 6-of-19 32 (percent)
- Rebounds: Oregon 41, SDSU 24
What’s Next for Oregon Ducks
- Nov. 30 — TBD (Las Vegas, Player’s Era Festival)
- Dec. 4 — at USC
- Dec. 8 — UCLA
- Dec. 15 — Stephen F. Austin
- Dec. 21 — Stanford (San Jose, Calif.)
Should Oregon lose on Saturday, the Ducks have done enough to prove themselves as a Top 25 team with these two wins. Oregon is ready for conference action, which starts next week at USC.
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