Oregon Ducks Face Tall Task Against Top-Seeded Texas Longhorns
The Oregon Ducks women's basketball team is gearing up for a challenging second-round clash in the NCAA tournament against the No. 1 seed Texas Longhorns. Fresh from a solid 70-60 victory over Virginia Tech, the No. 8 seed Ducks (23-12) will have their hands full on March 22 at the Moody Center in Austin.
Oregon's lineup may be quick and agile, but they'll be up against a formidable Texas squad (32-3) known for its size. With eight players standing over 6 feet tall, including two key contributors over 6-4, the Longhorns present a significant challenge. Oregon's starting center, Ehis Etute, stands at 6 feet, while forward Mia Jacobs adds versatility at 6-2.
Coach Kelly Graves highlighted the importance of handling transitions and securing the ball. "Our biggest concern is their size," Graves noted.
"We need to focus on taking good shots and managing the ball. Points in the paint and offensive rebounds are crucial, as their size advantage is clear.
Neutralizing their top rebounders and having our guards step up will be key."
The Longhorns, fresh off a dominant 17-point win over South Carolina in the SEC title game, are led by All-American Madison Booker, who averages an impressive 18.7 points and 6.7 rebounds per game. Sophomore guard Jordan Lee contributes 13.4 points per game, while 6-foot-6 center Kyla Oldacre adds 10.6 points and 6.2 rebounds per contest.
How to Watch Oregon vs. Texas
Fans can catch the action on ESPN, with streaming available through Fubo and Sling. The game tips off at 3 p.m. PT at the Moody Center in Austin, Texas.
Recent Performances
Oregon's recent form has been a mixed bag. After a narrow loss to Washington, they bounced back with strong performances in the Big Ten tournament, defeating Purdue and Maryland before falling to Michigan. Their victory over Virginia Tech sets the stage for this high-stakes matchup against Texas.
Meanwhile, Texas has been on a roll, with commanding victories in the SEC tournament, including a decisive win over South Carolina, and a dominant performance against Missouri State.
As the Ducks prepare to face the towering Longhorns, they'll need to rely on their speed and strategic play to overcome the size disadvantage. It promises to be an exciting matchup with high stakes and plenty of drama on the court.