From beginning to end, No. 20 Colorado controlled the paint. Despite trading leads throughout the game, the Buffaloes consistently held a rebounding advantage and kept the game close drawing fouls. The No. 10-ranked Ducks gave up their second most points this season to Colorado in their second Pac-12 road game and allowed them to shoot 56.4 percent from the field at the Coors Event Center.
For the Ducks, the two biggest contributing factors to the loss were the very areas that helped Colorado pick up their second win against a top 10 team. The Buffaloes finished with a 39-to-33 rebounding advantage and the Ducks shot 16-of-21 from the free-throw line en route to the upset.
After exchanging leads throughout the game, the turning point came with 13:20 remaining in the second half. Following a drawn foul on a Jason Calliste three-point attempt, three missed free throws allowed the game to remain within a single digit Oregon lead. Just four minutes later, Colorado took its first lead since leading 44-42 at the break and didn’t hold back until the final buzzer.
In a game where Colorado had the luxury of playing at home, where they have remained unbeaten, the Ducks simply ran into the disadvantage of playing back-to-back conference games in a row. While the Ducks did not necessarily look fatigued, there is a lot to be said which team played up to their full capacity and which team struggled on the road.
For the Buffaloes, it was show headlined by four different players, all of who scored in double digits. Leading the way were Askia Booker, who finished with a game-high 27 points and Spencer Dinwiddle, who recorded 23 points and seven assists. Xavier Johnson and Josh Scott also added 15 points a piece and combined for 19 rebounds.
For the Ducks it was a trio in Joseph Young, Mike Moser and Damyean Dotson. Moser finished with a team-high 24 points and seven rebounds in one of his better games, while Dotson and Young each added 16 points respectively. After Moser and Young were held to under 10 points last game, it was a good sign offensively for the Ducks despite the loss.
In their first loss of the season, the Ducks didn’t have too much to be happy about. Aside from a much improved offensive ousting following a dismal game against Utah, the Ducks were outplayed in virtually every facet of the game. Whether it be fatigue or a simple overmatch of the Buffaloes, the Ducks did not make the necessary plays to stay perfect on the season. In future games, the Ducks will need to adjust their play in the paint and have a better outing on the boards and free throw line.
For all news, recaps and live tweeting, check back here with the Emerald.
Follow Hayden Kim on Twitter @HayDayKim