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How it happened: Oregon Ducks pick up thrilling 84-81 OT win over No. 3 UCLA

Zachary Neel
·2 min read
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What a way for Dana Altman to get his 700th career victory, huh?

After a tough first half where it looked like the Oregon Ducks were going to try and find a way to lose this game, they utilized a strong start to the second half and built a small lead over the No. 3 UCLA Bruins, eventually upsetting their Pac-12 foe in overtime, 84-81.

The Ducks had a good chance to win this game in regulation, up 6 points with less than a minute to go. However, a pair of turnovers in the final 30 seconds allowed UCLA to tie the game and for overtime.

Luckily for Oregon, some stellar guard play from Jacob Young and Will Richardson sealed the deal in overtime, and they got the monumental victory for the season.

Here is how things went down:

Final Score: Oregon Ducks 84, No. 3 UCLA Bruins 81

Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Keys to the game

  • N’Faly Dante played a big role in this game, giving UCLA problems in the paint. Dante was a perfect 4-for-4 in the first half and finished with TK.

  • There were some tough stretches for the Ducks in the first half, where at one point they went 4 minutes without scoring, and then again nearly 8 minutes without an FG later in the half. Fortunately, they were only down 35-30 at the break.

  • Oregon got out to a blistering start in the second half, knocking down their first 5 shots from the field, 4 of which were from beyond the arc. They soon built up a 46-37 lead, forcing a UCLA timeout.

  • UCLA battled back and was able to eventually tie the game. Both teams traded baskets for a good portion of the half, with the Ducks ultimately taking a 59-57 lead into the under-8 media timeout.

  • The Ducks held a 6-point lead with under a minute remaining, but a pair of turnovers in the final 30 seconds allowed UCLA to tie the game and force an overtime.

  • Oregon used some stellar guard play in overtime to jump out ahead of UCLA, with both Jacob Young and Will Richardson showing some impressive shot-making abilities. UCLA matched their buckets and made it close down to the end, but eventually the Ducks were able to grab a couple of huge rebounds and make enough free throws to hold on.

Players of the Game

Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

  • Jacob Young: 23 points (career-high)

  • Will Richardson: 16 points, 3 REB, 1 AST

  • N’Faly Dante: 12 points, 7 REB

  • De’Vion Harmon: 10 points, 3 REB

  • Quincy Guerrier: 11 points, 6 REB

What's Next?

James Snook-USA TODAY Sports

The Oregon Ducks will face yet another top-5 ranked team on Saturday night, when they continue their LA trip with a game against the No. 5 USC Trojans.

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