The Oregon Ducks showed they can hang with a top-10 team offensively - and that’s no small feat. In their 91-82 loss to Gonzaga, the Ducks didn’t back down from the challenge of keeping pace with one of the most efficient offenses in the country.
They moved the ball, found their shots, and put up points in bunches. But as much as their offense showed promise, their defensive struggles told the other half of the story - and it’s the part that could keep this team stuck in the middle of the pack unless it gets addressed quickly.
Let’s start with what worked. The Ducks proved they can score with just about anyone.
They didn’t look overwhelmed or outclassed against a team that’s been a perennial powerhouse. Oregon’s offense had rhythm, spacing, and moments where it looked like they could go toe-to-toe with the best in the country.
That’s encouraging, especially with Big Ten play looming. But the flip side is just as clear: giving up 91 points is going to sink you more often than not, no matter how well you shoot.
Defensively, the Ducks were a step behind all night. Rotations were late, closeouts lacked urgency, and they struggled to contain Gonzaga’s ball movement. That’s the kind of stuff that gets exposed against elite teams - and exactly what needs to be cleaned up if this group wants to be more than a .500 squad in conference play.
The good news? Oregon has 11 days before the Big Ten grind begins, and one more non-conference game to tighten the screws. That’s a valuable window to regroup, retool, and - most importantly - get healthy.
And speaking of getting healthy, Nate Bittle’s return changes everything.
The senior big man is the Ducks’ best player, and his presence gives this team a real foundation to build on. Against Gonzaga, Bittle reminded everyone what he’s capable of: scoring inside and out, protecting the rim, and making smart plays in the half-court.
He’s not just a scorer - he’s a stabilizer. The kind of player who can elevate the ceiling of a team still trying to find its identity.
That said, Bittle’s conditioning is still a work in progress after returning from an ankle injury. He’s not all the way back yet, but even at less than 100%, he makes a noticeable impact. If he can stay on the floor and ramp up his minutes, Oregon’s offense becomes a lot more dynamic - and their defense gains a much-needed anchor in the paint.
So yes, there’s work to be done. But there’s also a path forward.
The Ducks have shown they can score with elite teams. Now it’s about tightening the defense, getting Bittle fully up to speed, and using the next 11 days to turn potential into production.
Because once Big Ten play starts, there won’t be much margin for error.