Just one week ago, it appeared that the components of the Oregon basketball team had finally gelled.
Ivan Johnson returned from suspension and contributed with his energy and emotion. Aaron Brooks executed Oregon’s offense in key situations and made smart plays down the stretch of ball games. Brandon Lincoln emerged into a viable sixth-man option with both his defensive and offensive abilities.
For the first time, Malik Hairston consistently showed why he was one of Oregon’s most pivotal and highly sought players in years by dominating the second half of games in a Kobe-esque manner.
And with the Ducks’ change to a slower pace resulting in a more efficient offense and fresh legs on defense, the pieces seemed to have fallen in place after a conference sweep of the Arizona schools at McArthur Court.
No sign of change proved more telling than Oregon’s win against Arizona two weeks ago, its first against a ranked opponent in 13 attempts.
But the solid foundation that seemed to form after six games into conference play took a major hit against the Washington Huskies on Saturday, and the cracks became increasingly evident in just 40 minutes of basketball.
Brooks, whom the Ducks rely on for his scoring and decision-making, finished just 2-of-12 shooting, 0 of 5 from three-point range and committed five turnovers.
Oregon was dominated on the boards (42-26) and received limited production from its big men Adam Zahn, Ray Schafer, Leunen and Johnson. The four combined for eight points and seven rebounds.
In the Ducks’ defense, they were playing a senior-laden and solid Husky team, which is deservedly ranked 10th in the country.
But it’s difficult to understand how Oregon could squander such a golden opportunity in a game that it had everything to play for. Things such as an early lead in the Pacific-10 Conference standings and the school’s first road win against a ranked opponent since a 2002 victory at USC.
Plus, it was the Huskies. Need I say more?
Yet, the Ducks let those chances slip through their grasps and now must focus on four straight critical games at home, starting Thursday against the co-conference leader, UCLA.
The good news for the Ducks is that attempting to predict Pac-10 games this season is as difficult as watching Paris Hilton act, and there is not, aside from Washington, a clear favorite to run away from the pack. Then again, the same Washington State team that lost to both Oregon schools went into the Dawgs’ house and emerged with a victory.
So, as long as Oregon can repair some of the damage sustained in Saturday’s loss, the Ducks can compete with any team remaining on the schedule. Then again, they probably can lose any game on the schedule as well.
[email protected]