In the second straight game against Oregon State, the Oregon women’s basketball team found themselves on the losing end once again, this time by a score of 84-70 on the road in Corvallis.
After winning the opening tip, the Beavers (10-6, 2-2) never looked back, controlling most of the game. The pace of play was in their favor as they were able to slow down the Ducks (9-6, 0-4) enough to force them into more half-court situations than they wanted.
“Oregon is a good basketball team, they’ve got a lot of talent,” Oregon State head coach Scott Rueck said after the game. “I have a lot of respect for them.”
As a team Oregon struggled to hit open shots, going 27-of-85 (31.8 percent) from the field. The two star players for the Ducks, freshman guard Chrishae Rowe and sophomore forward Jillian Alleyne, especially had trouble connecting on looks they usually capitalize on. Rowe was able to find her rhythm in the second half, finishing with 15 points.
Unlike her teammate, Alleyne (6-of-21 shooting)was never able to right the ship, struggling to get position against Oregon State starting center Ruth Hamblin, who is listed at 6-foot-6. Hamblin was able to control the paint, forcing the Ducks post players away from the basket. She finished with a triple-double, recording 23 points, 12 rebounds and 10 blocked shots.
“Our players were encouraged not to run away from her,” Oregon head coach Paul Westhead said when asked about his strategy regarding Hamblin. “We wanted to go hard to the rim with or without her.”
Hamblin is now the record holder for blocked shots in a game for the Beavers. Her triple-double is also only the second in school history.
Monday’s loss increased Oregon’s losing streak to four games in Pac-12 play after a 9-2 start. The Ducks have also lost the last seven games to the Beavers, the worst losing streak either team has faced throughout their rivalry.
“We have played three of the four on the road, we have played good teams,” Westhead said about what has changed for his team during this losing streak. “If a team can beat you twice, they are good quality.”
Rebounding the ball was an issue for both teams on the defensive end. Both the Ducks and Beavers gave up too many extra possessions by not boxing out and securing the ball. Oregon ended up with 27 offensive boards while Oregon State had 16.
Another problem for the Ducks was their struggles from downtown. They went 4-22 from deep (18.2 percent).
Oregon was able to work their way back into the game in the second half thanks to the strong play of Rowe down the stretch. After struggling in the first half Rowe was able to work her way inside for higher percentage shots.
After a made floater from Rowe cut the lead to a 62-61, Oregon looked like they may be able to take the lead. However, a timely three from Oregon State freshman Gabriella Hanson regained control for the Beavers, who went on a 14-2 run to put the game out of reach.
Hanson also had a career night, scoring 19 points on 8-of-9 shooting.
The Ducks will look to rebound as they still search for their first win in league play. They next travel to Los Angeles, where they will take on UCLA and USC on Friday and Sunday, respectively.
Follow Christopher Keizur on Twitter @chriskeizur