Oregon Ducks Fighting to Avoid First Losing Season in Nearly Two Decades as Injuries Pile Up
Normally, this is the time of year when Oregon fans start refreshing bracketology pages and dreaming about March. But this season, the Ducks are in unfamiliar territory - not chasing a tournament seed, but battling to avoid their first losing season in 18 years.
At 8-12 overall and just 1-8 in Big Ten play, Oregon is staring down a steep hill. To even reach the 20-win mark - something that’s been a given under Dana Altman since he took the reins in 2010 - the Ducks would need to go at least 8-4 the rest of the way. That stretch begins with a home matchup against UCLA on Jan. 28 at Matthew Knight Arena.
It’s a tall order for a team that’s lost six straight and has gone just 4-12 since opening the season with four straight wins. That six-game skid is the program’s longest since the 2008-09 season - the same year Oregon finished 8-23 and last posted a losing record. In fact, that was one of just three losing seasons the Ducks have had in the past 31 years.
Starting Five: A Young Core Thrust Into the Spotlight
Against the Bruins, Oregon rolled out a starting lineup of forwards Kwame Evans Jr., Sean Stewart, Dezdrick Lindsay, Devon Pryor, and guard Wei Lin. Of that group, only Evans is averaging double figures in scoring, putting up 12.7 points per game. With the roster depleted, these young players are being asked to do a lot - and fast.
Injury Bug Won’t Let Up
The Ducks’ injury report continues to read like a who's who of key contributors. Out for the UCLA game: starters Nate Bittle, Jackson Shelstad, and Takai Simpkins, as well as reserve big man Ege Demir.
That’s a major chunk of the rotation sidelined - and it’s not just a one-game issue. Shelstad, a highly touted point guard, could miss the rest of the season, which would be a massive blow to Oregon’s backcourt stability.
As for UCLA, guard Skyy Clark is listed as questionable, which could impact the Bruins’ backcourt rotation, though they’ve been more consistent overall this season at 14-6 (6-3 in conference play).
What’s Next for the Ducks
The road doesn’t get any easier from here. Oregon has 11 regular-season games left, plus at least one game in the Big Ten Tournament in March.
To turn things around, the Ducks need to find a way to string together wins - and fast. But with a thin roster and a brutal conference slate, the margin for error is razor-thin.
Here’s a look at Oregon’s next five games:
- Jan. 28 - vs. UCLA, 8 p.m.
PT
- Feb. 1 - vs.
Iowa, 5 p.m. PT
- Feb. 7 - at Purdue, 10 a.m. PT
- Feb. 9 - at Indiana, 5:30 p.m. PT
- Feb. 14 - vs. Penn State, 12 p.m.
PT
That stretch includes two tough road games in the Midwest and a home date with a dangerous Iowa team. If Oregon’s going to make a push, it’ll have to come with grit, development from its young core, and perhaps a little bit of health luck.
Where to Watch and Listen
The Ducks’ showdown with UCLA will be broadcast on the Big Ten Network. Fans can also stream the game on Fubo or Sling. Radio coverage is available on KUGN (590 AM, 98.1 FM), KMTT (910 AM, Portland), and KYKN (1430 AM, Salem).
Final Word
This isn’t the kind of season Ducks fans are used to under Dana Altman. But even in a down year, there’s still plenty to watch - whether it’s the growth of young players like Wei Lin and Kwame Evans Jr., or the team’s fight to keep a historic 20-win streak alive. The odds are long, but if there’s one thing Oregon basketball has shown over the years, it’s that they don’t go down without a fight.