Los Angeles – Again, Oregon played well enough to win, and again, the opponent found a way to survive.
The Oregon women’s basketball team led by six at halftime, but with UCLA attacking inside and the Ducks offense missing for a portion of the second half, the Bruins took advantage and won 77-70 Sunday afternoon at Pauley Pavilion.
Carolyn Ganes filled in for an injured Jessie Shetters and made an immediate impact, scoring 10 of her 20 points in the first nine minutes. She also made three of Oregon’s eight three-pointers.
Shetters sat out with a back injury and Oregon coach Bev Smith said she expects to know more Monday after the 6-foot-6-inch center meets with doctors.
“We knew it was going to be a big hit with her not playing. So I just wanted to come in and contribute the best way I could,” Ganes said. “Luckily, my shots were falling and that was a good way I could contribute.”
Point guard Tamika Nurse thrived offensively with 18 points. In the first half, she consistently beat the defense to hit mid-range jumpers and lay-ups.
“I thought she did a great job of looking after the ball,” Smith said. “We had 10 turnovers against a team that likes to create (turnovers).”
Ahead 37-31 at halftime, Oregon struggled to contain UCLA’s post players. They consistently attacked the basket in an 8-2 run that began the half. Lindsey Pluimer and Amanda Livingston did much of the damage inside, scoring 21 points and 18 points, respectively.
UCLA guard Noelle Quinn also found her range with 16 of her 21 points coming in the second half.
UCLA also mixed its press and it spurred them on, Livingston said.
“It’s not really an effect on them, it’s what gets us going more or less,” Livingston said. “If we’re up on the ball, getting good traps, getting in the passing lane, it kind of gets us going when we get back into the half-court defense.”
Oregon’s last lead came at 53-52 on a jumper by Ganes. UCLA ran off a 15-3 run to take control, 67-56. Oregon pulled within 69-66 on Cicely Oaks’ three-pointer and Nurse’s lay-up, but couldn’t get any closer.
The Ducks took the court against the Bruins two nights after its double-overtime loss to USC. Oregon returns home for two games, against Arizona on Thursday and Arizona State on Saturday.
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