There’s something about a Dana Altman-led team in Vegas tournaments. 

The unranked (for now) Ducks continued their undefeated 8-0 start with their second win over a ranked team of the week. Oregon took down No. 9 Alabama (6-2) to win the Players Era Festival Tournament in Las Vegas, Nevada. 

An incredibly tight game was wire-to-wire from start to finish. Neither team ever led by more than 10 points. With the score tied 39-39 at the half, it was clear that the winner would be decided in the final minutes.That’s exactly how it went down. Nate Bittle hit a jumper with four seconds left to put the Ducks ahead for good.12 points were scored in the final two minutes of play, six by either squad. 

Surprisingly, the game’s leading scorer came off the bench. Keeshawn Barthelemy knocked down a career-high 22 points to help knock off the ranked Tide. Along with Barthelemy, Supreme Cook had 11 points as the bench tallied 34 points.

Oregon had to work around some foul trouble Brandon Angel (four points) fouled out and TJ Bamba (12 points) had four. 

Bittle had a career game with 19 points, nine rebounds and three assists. He’s making a case to be the main big man on this undefeated roster. 

As a team, the Ducks shot 43.9% (Alabama was 42.2%) from the field, 29.4% (31.6%) from 3-point range and 80% (75%) from the free-throw line. In a game where every point mattered, both teams missed five three throws, but Oregon went to the line more and knocked down more crucial points. 

Alabama’s Labaron Philon led the Crimson Tide with 15 points while three others tallied 11-point performances. 

The Ducks earn a large sum of NIL money to be divided among the players and go down as one of the week’s big winners.

Oregon now boasts a pair of ranked wins on the season and will take on USC on the road on Wednesday before returning to Matthew Knight Arena on Sunday for a matchup with the Bruins.