After 11 games of non-conference play, the Oregon Ducks kicked off the Pac-12 season with a win in Matthew Knight Arena over the USC Trojans. Injuries have plagued the Ducks in their recent matchups, but on Thursday night, the Ducks thrived despite playing shorthanded.
Oregon went up big in the first half, going into the break up 42-25. But in the first few minutes of the second half, Oregon relaxed on defense, and USC brought the score much closer. Still, the Trojans were unable to take the lead, and the Ducks held on to secure the win.
Jackson Shelstad, was excellent in Thursday’s win, as he’s been all season, but the other impact player for Oregon was Kwame Evans, whose 22 points was a career-high. With N’Faly Dante and Nate Bittle’s injuries, Oregon needs strong performances from their remaining big men, especially Evans.