Oregon Ducks' Dominance Shines in Pac-12 Battle
First Quarter: A Close Start with Both Teams Struggling
The game began at a breakneck pace as both Oregon and Washington State faced difficulties shooting from the outside. However, they found success working the ball into the paint. The Ducks took an early lead, going up 11-9 midway through the first quarter. Muhammad's six points and Kyei's five points played a crucial role in this surge. Oregon extended their lead to 10-0 and held a 17-9 advantage at the end of the first quarter.Despite Washington State's efforts to mount a comeback, the Ducks' solid defensive effort in the early second quarter kept them in the lead. They took a 30-21 lead, but the Cougars' sharpshooter Astera Tuhina soon changed the momentum.
Second Quarter: A Tight Battle with a Comeback Attempt
Tuhina's pair of three-pointers forced a timeout from Kelly Graves and tied the game at 32-32. The second quarter saw a back-and-forth battle as both teams fought for supremacy. Oregon and Washington State entered the half tied at 34-34.The Ducks' offense, led by Scott, kept them in the game. She hit a pair of three-pointers in the third quarter to give Oregon a 50-44 lead. Her play was crucial in maintaining the team's momentum.
Third Quarter: Scott's Explosive Performance
Scott continued her dominant display in the third quarter, hitting a deep three-pointer at the buzzer to give Oregon a 65-55 lead heading into the fourth. She scored 14 points alone in this quarter, showcasing her scoring ability.Elisa Mevius also contributed with a transition bucket plus a foul, further extending Oregon's lead to 53-44. The Ducks' offense was firing on all cylinders as they built a significant lead.
Fourth Quarter: Oregon's Dominance Ensures the Win
In the middle portion of the fourth quarter, Oregon ballooned their lead to an 18-point advantage, leading 81-63. Muhammad's play inside and another Scott three-pointer were key in maintaining this lead. The Ducks did not let Washington State back into the game as they continued to play solid defense and make smart plays.As the game came to a close, Oregon's victory was secure. The team's chemistry and individual performances were on full display, leaving fans and analysts impressed.
Next game: Oregon (7-2) vs. No. 6 USC (7-1)When: Saturday, Dec. 7Time: 1 p.m. PTWhere: Matthew Knight Arena, EugeneTV: Big Ten NetworkRadio: Oregon Sports Network— Ryan Clarke covers the Oregon Ducks and Big Ten Conference. Listen to the Ducks Confidential podcast or subscribe to the Ducks Roundup newsletter.