The Oregon Ducks men’s basketball team didn’t have an exhibition game this season and instead jumped right into the deep end of the pool
The UC-Riverside Highlanders stayed in the game with their three-point shooting, but ultimately the Ducks had too many weapons in the 91-76 season-opening win at Matthew Knight Arena.
Oregon showed it could go as many as 10-deep and not lose a step. It was an impressive showing with all of the transfers and young players seeing significant playing time for the first time. But the Ducks looked as if they had been playing together for several seasons instead of a few months.
Oregon vs. UC-Riverside Keys to the Game
- Kwame Evans got the offense going with seven quick points to begin the game on his way to a strong game for the sophomore.
- Oregon’s press created pressure and Riverside wasn’t able to handle it well. The press let the Ducks increase their lead at the end of the first half as Oregon eventually took a 51-36 advantage at the break.
- The Highlanders cut into the Ducks’ lead throughout the second half thanks to their three-point shooting, but never came close than seven points.
Oregon vs. UC-Riverside Players of the Game
- Kwame Evans: 23 points, 6 rebounds
- Brandon Angel: 17 points, 5-of-6 FG, 7-of-7 free throws
- Nate Bittle: 16 points, 11 rebounds
- TJ Bamba: 12 points
- Barrington Hargress (UCR): 20 points, 4-of-10 3-pt FG
Oregon vs. UC-Riverside Notable Stats
- Free throws: Oregon 19-of-25, UCR 6-of-12
- UCR: 12-of-34 for 3-pt FG
- Turnovers: Oregon 8, UCR 8
- Oregon: 33-of-66 (50 percent) FG
What’s Next for Oregon Ducks?
- List Next 5 games on the schedule
- Nov. 8 — vs. Montana Grizzlies
- Nov. 12 — vs. Portland Pilots
- Nov. 17 — vs. Troy Trojans
- Nov. 22 — at Oregon State Beavers
- Nov. 26 — vs. Texas A&M Aggies (Las Vegas, Player’s Era Festival)
Oregon wants to get battle-tested early and often with its non-conference schedule before the Ducks enter the Big Ten for the first time. Montana, Troy and Texas A&M should provide good tests for the Ducks in the coming weeks.
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