The Oregon Ducks have beaten the Indiana Hoosiers 73-64, extending their win streak to six games with just one game left in the regular season.
And I've never heard Matthew Knight Arena this loud.
Despite the nine-point final margin, this game was as close as can be, especially in the final 10 minutes. With less than two to play, Indiana went up on the Ducks 64-63 making a tough three-pointer. Down on the other end, it looked like Oregon was doomed for another possession to end in a turnover, but with the shot clock winding down, Jackson Shelstad laced a three from way deep to go up 66-64 — something he seems to have made a habit out of.
The Hoosiers didn't score another point.
The Ducks' defense was fantastic in the final ten minutes. Shooting guard TJ Bamba and center Nate Bittle were massive difference makers on that end of the floor, and without their efforts, Oregon probably doesn't win this game.
Oregon has just one game left before the Big Ten tournament. On Sunday, the Ducks will tip-off against their rival Washington Huskies in Seattle, hoping to close the regular season on a seven-game win streak and earn a bye in the first round of the conference tournament.
For all my instant reactions to Oregon's instant classic win against Indiana, continue below.
In the last 10 minutes, Oregon's defense was superb. Indiana layups rarely went unblocked, Hoosier offensive rebounders were immediately trapped, and each Duck's on-ball defense was tenacious. The result of this game had so many factors, but if you want to point to one, you're pointing at the Ducks' team defense.
In the first half, almost all of Indiana's offense came in the paint as the Ducks struggled to protect their rim. In the second period, Oregon bolstered their defense inside, and the Hoosiers took more perimeter shots. To the Hoosiers' credit, they shot the ball well from outside, making 36% of their threes in the game and 40% in the second half.
After a quick offensive flurry to begin the game, Indiana started to incorporate a zone defense, which gave Oregon some problems. Eventually, the Ducks figured out how they wanted to move the ball against the Hoosiers defense and they started to score again.
Oregon did not shoot the ball well in this game, but they found other ways to win. The Ducks' rebounding was strong, the defense was tight, free throws were made, and turnovers were kept to a minimum. Indiana is a good team, and the Ducks beat them shooting under 40% from the field. If Oregon can shoot the ball better, they're a danger to any team in the country.
TJ Bamba:13 points, 5/13 FGs, 3 assists, 2 rebounds, 1 block, 1 steal
Nate Bittle: 14 points, 3/10 FGs, 8/8 FTs, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, 4 blocks, 1 steal
Jackson Shelstad:17 points, 5/13 FGs, 5/6 FTs, 2 rebounds, 1 steal
KJ Evans: 10 points, 4/6 FGs, 2/4 3Ps, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals
Oregon was 19/21 from the free throw line. Indiana was 3/7.
Oregon didn't get called for a foul for over 12 minutes to start the game. During that same time, Indiana was whistled just once.
The Ducks made just three of their final 17 shots in the first half, but they still led 35-32 at the break.
After allowing 22 paint points in the first half, Oregon allowed just 10 points in the paint in the second half.
Mar. 9 — at Washington Huskies
Mar. 12-16 — Big Ten Championship Tournament
With just one trip to Seattle left for the Ducks in the regular season. A win against Washington and a seven-game win streak would be massive momentum headed into the Big Ten tournament where the Ducks will have a first round bye as either the seven or eight seed.
This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Oregon Ducks Basketball hangs on against Indiana Hoosiers
