| 12 March 2011
The Oregon Ducks, which weren't expected to reach the semifinals of the Pac-10 Tournament, ran out of gas in their third game in three-nights, ultimately unable to keep up with the dangerous Washington Huskies. The effort was certainly there, but their season is over, as the Huskies pulled away for a 69-51 win.
Ducks get off to slow start, but defense keeps Huskies at bay
Both teams had a rough start, but Oregon's stood out. They had only 11 points in the first 13 minutes, struggling against a longer and more athletic team. E.J. Singler, who had 46 points in the tournament's first two games, Joevan Catron, Jay-R Strowbridge, and Malcolm Armstead combined to shoot 8-26 in the first half.
Washington, a perimeter-oriented team, lived up to their billing. They didn't even attempt to go inside until six minutes had passed. And, fortunate for Oregon, they missed the vast majority of their shots. Guards Isaiah Thomas, Chris Wilcox, and Terrence Ross combined to miss 14 shots, including eight threes. They usually thrive from deep but Oregon, which played fairly good defense, made sure they had no choice but shoot low-percentage shots, taking away what inside presence they have in Matthew Bryan-Amaning.
Amaning, who had 16 points against Washington State, missed the only field goal he took in the first half and committed two fouls. Luxuriously for Washington, their bench picked up the slack, as bench players Darnell Gant and Scott Suggs provided a jolt off the bench, scoring 14 points in the first half.
Washington's lead could have been bigger, but advantages show even in underwhelming first half
As the Huskies showed against Washington State, they are a tremendously athletic team that is longer and faster than Oregon. They have the ability to score in bunches, with a bevvy of shooters not afraid to keep shooting. Even thought they missed 60 percent of their shots in the first-half, they weren't shy. This mentality helped them considerably in the second half.
Ducks resilient after strong start to second half by Huskies
The glimpses of superiority Washington showed in the opening 20 minutes was really eye-opening to start the second half, swelling the lead to 14 behind an aggressive attack. They were no longer living and dying by the jumper, as Thomas penetrated, found cutters, and made plays for himself. Four of their first five field goals were layups, all off assists.
Justin Holiday and Ross distributed the ball during this stretch, but Thomas was the Huskies engine. This was evident after this advantage was gained, when Thomas took a well-deserved rest. With him on the bench Oregon dwindled the margin while Washington's offense looked lost. The deficit was cut to four. Then Thomas re-entered and changed the game.
Junior guard restores order for Huskies
Upon entering, Thomas drained a three-pointer from the top of the key, then found Ross for another three-pointer. The lead was eight, and it would only increase. In all, Thomas notched his second-straight double-double, scoring 10 points to compliment his 12 assists.
Ducks give everything they have, but poor shooting dooms them
Oregon had to shoot a high percentage to have a chance against the Washington team they played tonight. They just didn't have it in them. A perimeter-oriented team, they missed 20 of 24 three-pointers and shot 32 percent overall. Aside from during Thomas's rest, everything came difficult to them. They didn't lack effort, though.
Running on fumes, the Ducks routinely dove for loose balls, deflected passes, and did their best to sustain an intensity on both offense and defense. Armstead had 12 points, seven rebounds, six assists, and six steals, putting together a tremendous all-around game, and Catron led the team with 18 points and nine assists, but not enough Oregon players could be similarly productive.
This is why, due most notably to a defense that Thomas applauded postgame, the Huskies move on to face Arizona in the championship game as the Ducks impressive run comes to an end.
photo: daylife
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
