Oregon’s new men’s basketball era opened with a performance that looked sharper, livelier, and more connected than the one-game snapshot from last season ever did.
The Ducks beat Montana 87-69 at Matthew Knight Arena, and the win came with the kind of ingredients fans wanted to see right away: points in the paint, crisp ball movement, and a more obvious edge on defense. Oregon also controlled the glass of the game in another way - by getting downhill and finishing at the rim instead of settling for tough looks.
That approach showed up in the numbers. The Ducks shot 60 percent from the field and held Montana to 38 percent shooting.
They also kept the three-point volume low, taking only 11 shots from deep all night and making five of them. In the second half, Oregon was even more efficient, hitting 71 percent of its field goals and knocking down three of four from outside.
The highlight reel had plenty to work with, too. There were enough dunks to make the night feel more like an exhibition than a season opener, and the energy inside the building matched the pace on the floor.
Oregon’s offense was spread around, with five players reaching double figures and the Ducks piling up 21 assists. Even with free throws still a concern, the ball kept moving and the shots were coming from better spots.
It’s only one game, and that matters. But it was a far more encouraging start than the one Oregon had a year ago.
The Ducks now have four more games in Oregon, all of them looking very winnable, before the level of competition rises in the Player’s Era Tournament in Las Vegas. That event will be Oregon’s third straight year in the tournament, and it should offer a much clearer read on what this team really is.
For now, the first impression was a good one. How Oregon handles adversity remains an open question, but if Monday is any indication, there’s something worth watching here.
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Dan Lannings Aggression Just Put Ohio State On Notice
Oregon spent the first quarter in a hole against Ohio State, but the Ducks did not spend long playing it safe. A successful fake punt helped flip the tone, and Dan Lannings group kept leaning into an aggressive approach on offense until it had clawed its way to a 17-14 halftime lead, a swing that said as much about confidence as it did about execution.
Afterward, Lanning framed the performance around identity, stressing that Oregon has to keep playing like itself if it wants to keep putting pressure on elite opponents. He also pointed to the need to cut down on turnovers, a reminder that the Ducks boldness only works if it is paired with cleaner football, and that balance will matter even more as the stakes keep rising. [Read more 🡒]
Oregon May Need One Freshman To Change Everything Against Ohio State
As Oregon turns its attention to Ohio State, the Ducks are looking for ways to crack a defense that has been especially sturdy against the run. That puts a spotlight on true freshman Brandon Smith, whose performance against Northwestern stood out not just for the production on the ground, but for the way he added another layer to the offense with his work in the passing game.
Smiths rise matters even more because Oregon is dealing with injuries at running back, which narrows the options against a Buckeyes front that does not give much away. If the Ducks are going to find an answer in a game like this, they may need the kind of burst and versatility Smith showed in his first real opportunity to make a difference. [Read more 🡒]
Oregon Faces One Huge Test In Columbus With Playoff Stakes Rising
Oregon heads into Columbus for one of the seasons biggest measuring-stick games, and both sides are carrying injury questions into a matchup that already has plenty riding on it. The Ducks will be without starting running back Jordon Davison, but they do get wide receiver Jeremiah McClellan back after his injury absence, a small boost for an offense that will need every available piece against an Ohio State defense that is expected to have defensive back Jay Timmons and offensive tackle Ian Moore back in the lineup.
The Buckeyes still have a few names on the doubtful list, including some wide receivers and a linebacker, but oddsmakers still have Ohio State favored at home. For Oregon, the setting alone makes this a major test, and the injury picture only adds to the challenge of trying to leave Columbus with a statement win and keep playoff hopes on the strongest possible footing. [Read more 🡒]