It wasn’t easy, but thanks to a big assist from its bench, the Oregon women’s basketball team defeated Boise State 80-64 Friday.
The Ducks endured off nights from starters Amanda Johnson (3-for-18 shooting) and Ashley Buis (2-for-10), and held a slim 39-34 halftime lead.
But after Boise State went on a 10-2 run to open the second half to take a 44-41 lead, Oregon responded.
The Ducks went on a 10-0 run of their own to open up a 51-44 advantage and led the rest of the way.
Oregon’s reserves helped pick up the slack left by Johnson and Buis by combining to score 29 points. Guard Kristi Fallin led the Ducks’ bench players with 12 points and five rebounds in 21 minutes, while Ariel Thomas and Nicole Canepa added five points apiece.
The Ducks’ bench outscored the Broncos’ 29-7.
Despite a rough game, Johnson did end up leading Oregon in scoring with 15 points (many of which came from the free throw line, where she was 7-for-8), guard Jasmin Holliday scored 12, and guard Nia Jackson added 10.
Forward Janie Bos led Boise State with 19 points on 8-for-8 shooting, guard Kati Isham chipped in 17 and forward Lauren Lenhardt scored 10.
For the game, Oregon shot 39.4 percent from the floor and 22.2 percent from three point range. Oregon out rebounded the Broncos 46-41, and forced 18 Boise State turnovers while only committing 12.
The Ducks will return to play Dec. 14 when they host UC Riverside at McArthur Court. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.
— Andy Drukarev