It’s hard to predict how well the Ducks are capable of playing each game. They themselves admit they’ll lose focus and give up leads. At times they look great, scoring at will and putting clamps on teams.
In the second half of Saturday’s game, Oregon’s defense took Arizona completely out of rhythm. Twice the Wildcats didn’t score for six minutes, and committed 15 turnovers for the game. Oregon (17-12, 8-8 Pac-12) commanded the game by pounding the ball inside, and turned the ball over just three times to beat the Wildcats (17-13, 8-9 Pac-12) 73-47 on senior night.
“Communication was key,” Ehab Amin said. “We’ve been talking a lot better the last couple games. Also, I think we do a better job adjusting when we do make a couple mistakes.”
With the game tied at 31 at halftime, the Ducks locked up Arizona, outscoring them 42-16 second half. Louis King led Oregon scorers with 14 points, and contributed seven rebounds and a career-best four steals.
The Ducks’ ran four freshman and Amin to get the offense ignited in the first half. First, King and Miles Norris found their outside shots. Fueled by steals from Norris and Amin, Will Richardson scored back-to-back fastbreak layups, including a spin along the baseline for a reverse layup. The crowd erupted as Arizona called timeout down 23-14 with 7:30 remaining in the first half.
“Francis is a huge body and can clear out space,” Paul White said. “And Miles is very athletic and mobile for his size. So when we’re able to get them in the mix and get everyone focused and locked in, we can be a very hard team to face.”
Though Richardson didn’t have a career game, his play undeniably helped Oregon win. He was plus-32 in his 27 minutes. He also limited turnovers, a huge key for the win. When he committed a turnover with five minutes left, it was just the team’s second of the game.
After Coleman hit two shots to start the second half, Arizona couldn’t find the basket until Brandon Williams’ jumper made it 47-39 with 11:27 left to play. Williams hit another shot to cut the lead to nine points several minutes later, but it was too little, too late as the team couldn’t score for another six minutes. Meanwhile, multiple Oregon players found ways to drive to the lane and draw fouls.
“Tonight was our best night of the season, even better than Thursday,” Altman said. “There was really a connection with all the guys. When [Arizona] made their run in the first half, I barked at them a little bit, and they responded.”
Francis Okoro tied his career-high with 10 points, and added seven rebounds. In his third consecutive start, he outplayed his matchup Ira Lee, and consistently moved and scored over him in the post. Altman said Okoro’s energy level during games and practice the last two weeks remind him of a former player, Dillon Brooks.
“Francis the last two weeks has really set the standard,” Altman explained. “He’s really given us a big lift.”
Follow August Howell on Twitter @howell_august
