In a resounding victory, the Oregon women’s basketball team secured their second consecutive win with a decisive 71-43 triumph over UC Irvine at Matthew Knight Arena. The Ducks showcased impressive teamwork and defense, holding the Anteaters to just 25% shooting while distributing scoring among 10 players. Freshman guard Katie Fiso led the charge with 11 points, marking her return after a brief absence due to personal reasons. This performance not only highlighted the team's resilience but also set a positive tone heading into the holiday break.

Game Breakdown: A Dominant Display by the Ducks

The evening of Thursday witnessed an intense matchup between the Oregon Ducks and the UC Irvine Anteaters at the iconic Matthew Knight Arena. Both teams struggled initially, failing to find their rhythm for the first five minutes. However, it was Oregon who broke the deadlock with a layup by Sarah Rambus. From there, the Ducks surged ahead with a 14-0 run, fueled by a three-pointer from Peyton Scott, which extended their lead to 15-3.

Momentum continued to favor the Ducks as they widened their advantage to 27-7 midway through the second quarter. During this period, Scott surpassed a remarkable milestone by reaching 2,000 career points across her stints at Miami (Ohio) and Oregon. Despite a brief lull towards the end of the second quarter, the Ducks maintained control, leading 36-20 at halftime.

The second half saw Scott reassert dominance with an opening three-pointer, boosting Oregon’s lead to 39-20. Although the Ducks faced a scoring drought later in the third quarter, they quickly rebounded with a 12-0 run to close out the period. In the final frame, Fiso took command, hitting her fifth basket to reach double-digit scoring. Substitutes played significant roles for both teams, but Oregon’s substantial lead remained unchallenged, culminating in a convincing home win.

This victory served as a festive sendoff for the Ducks, with head coach Kelly Graves adding a touch of holiday cheer in a Christmas sweater adorned with a rubber ducky wearing a Santa hat. The team now prepares for their next challenge against Illinois on December 28th at State Farm Center in Champaign, Illinois.

From a journalist's perspective, this game underscored the Ducks' ability to overcome adversity and maintain cohesion on the court. It was heartening to see Fiso’s emotional return and the collective effort that led to such a dominant performance. This win sets a strong foundation for the upcoming conference season, demonstrating the team's readiness to face tougher competition.