Jackson Shelstad's remarkable performance in the second half was the key to Oregon's 68-60 win over USC in their Big Ten men's basketball opener. The Trojans held the lead for a significant portion of the game but Shelstad and his team fought back to secure the victory.

Oregon's Ducks Overcome Deficit with Shelstad's Late Threes

Jackson Shelstad's Second-Half Explosion

Jackson Shelstad truly shined in the second half, scoring 21 of his career-high 24 points. His scoring spree turned the tide of the game as Oregon clawed their way back from a 10-point deficit. His ability to make crucial shots when it mattered most demonstrated his clutch nature and was a major factor in the Ducks' comeback.Shelstad's performance wasn't just about points; his energy and leadership on the court inspired his teammates. His determination to keep fighting even when the odds were against them set the tone for the rest of the game.

The USC-Trojan's Early Lead

The Trojans led for most of the first 35 minutes, showing their dominance on the court. They built a 38-28 lead with 15:33 remaining, seemingly in control of the game. However, Shelstad and the Ducks were not to be deterred.They started chipping away at the deficit, showing their resilience and never-say-die attitude. This early lead by USC served as a challenge for Oregon, but they rose to the occasion and fought back with everything they had.

Oregon's Late Rally and Final Stretch

In the final minutes of the game, Shelstad and Keeshawn Barthelemy led Oregon's late rally. Barthelemy made 4 of 5 threes and finished with 18 points, including a crucial three-pointer with 4:37 left that tied the game at 55-55.Then, Barthelemy came up with a steal and Shelstad drilled a three to give Oregon its first lead since 2-0. The Ducks didn't trail again, holding on to win despite facing foul trouble and other challenges.TJ Bamba struggled early, missing his first 11 shots before finishing 2 of 13 for six points and five rebounds. Nate Bittle and Jadrian Tracey also sat out long stretches due to fouls and ultimately fouled out in the final minutes.Desmond Claude scored 22 points and Chibuzo Agbo added 18 to lead USC, but it wasn't enough to overcome Oregon's late rally.Next up for the Ducks is a home game against UCLA at 3 p.m. Sunday (Big Ten Network), where they will look to build on this victory.