Two words likely entered Duck fans’ minds when N’Faly Dante was listed as unavailable for Friday’s home opener.
“Uh oh.”
If Dante’s absence continues, those words will likely remain on Duck fans minds despite Oregon (2-0) defeating the University of Montana (1-1) 75-61.
In the first half “uh oh” was certainly on head coach Dana Altman’s mind. Dante’s absence was clear. Oregon struggled offensively going down seven points in the early going.
Following an early timeout, Altman’s squad would quickly equalize. Oregon’s ball movement was fluid throughout the game as the Ducks committed just two turnovers on the night. Early however, the shots would not fall as the Ducks were left shooting just 38% from the field at the end of the half.
On the scoreboard, Oregon showcased an even distribution of contribution, with six and a half minutes remaining in the half, only one Duck – Brennan Rigsby – had recorded more than one field-goal as Oregon had lacked any offensive spark.
Luckily for Oregon, Montana was equally as sloppy and the Ducks and Grizzlies went into the half tied at 37.
Oregon’s shots started to fall early in the second half with a trio of threes extending the Ducks’ lead. Montana began to make its shots as well, and the Grizzlies hung with Oregon for most of the contest.
Following the threes, Oregon’s offense began to hit its stride with Nate Bittle’s performance key in the absence of Dante.
“He’s a junior, he’s been with us a few years,” Altman said of Bittle. “He’s stronger, he’s still got a ways to go, you know he’s still young looking, he can still grow and mature.”
Defensively, JUCO transfer Jadrian (Bam) Tracey was Oregon’s catalyst finishing a team high +24.
“His coach raved about his defensive effort,” Altman said of Tracey. “We hoped he’d give us a big lift on the defensive end”.
After 35 minutes of back and-forth play, Oregon pulled ahead with Rigsby – who nursed an ankle injury throughout the game – hitting his third 3-point shot of the night to put Oregon up by 11. Five Ducks ended the night in double-figures, with Oregon relying on Bittle and Georgia transfer Kario Oquendo for most of its scoring.
Still, Altman wasn’t pleased with his squad’s effort, especially early.The Ducks shot just 41% from the field and 57% from the free throw line on Friday.
“It’s something we got to get corrected,” Altman said. “You can’t shoot 50% from the line and have a good team. Usually when you shoot 28, 29 free throws, you’re in pretty good shape. That’s two games in a row where we got to the line quite a bit, and we just didn’t shoot worth a darn.”
Free throws appear to be an early season woe after Oregon shot just 48% in its season opener against Georgia and 57% against Montana.
With Bittle filling into the center position, freshman Kwame Evans Jr. was added to the Ducks’ starting lineup and collected 10 rebounds in Dante’s absence.
More than anything, Oregon needs Dante healthy. Duck fans saw what a half-healthy Dante could do in the team’s opener against Georgia. With Dante, Oregon can look explosive and dangerous. Without Dante, Oregon is a team that let Montana hang around for most of the game. If Dante’s health continues to be an issue, Ducks fans could be left with one thing to say.
“Uh oh.”
Regardless, Oregon started its 2023-24 season 2-0 after a 14-point victory over Montana and will look ahead to its next game against Middle Tennessee State on Nov. 17.
