The Oregon men’s basketball team is in the middle of a brutal stretch, and the numbers tell the story. Seven straight losses.
Just one win in Big Ten play. And with key players sidelined, the Ducks are struggling to generate much of anything offensively.
Since their overtime heartbreaker at Rutgers on January 5 - a game they dropped 88-85 - Oregon has averaged just 59 points per game over the next six contests. That number dips even lower to 55.3 over the last three.
The result? A string of lopsided defeats, losing by an average of 17 points during that six-game span.
For a program that’s used to competing at a high level, this is unfamiliar territory.
But there’s a glimmer of hope on the horizon.
Oregon (8-13, 1-9 Big Ten) returns home to Matthew Knight Arena on Sunday to take on No. 25 Iowa (15-5, 5-4), and they may be getting a much-needed boost.
Senior guard Takai Simpkins, who missed the recent loss to UCLA with an ankle injury, is listed as questionable for the matchup. According to the program, there’s “hope that he’ll be able to play.”
If he can suit up, it would be a major lift for a team that’s desperate for offensive firepower. Simpkins is averaging 12.4 points per game and is Oregon’s most reliable threat from deep, hitting 36.6% of his shots from beyond the arc (37-for-101). For a team struggling to find rhythm and spacing, his return would be more than just a morale boost - it could be a turning point.
This matchup with Iowa won’t be easy. The Hawkeyes are ranked and have been playing solid basketball in conference play.
But for Oregon, it’s not just about the opponent right now - it’s about finding a way to stop the bleeding. Whether that’s through better execution, defensive intensity, or simply getting healthier, the Ducks need something to shift.
The challenge continues beyond Sunday. After Iowa, Oregon heads into a tough road swing with back-to-back games at Purdue and Indiana, followed by home matchups against Penn State and Minnesota. That’s five games in 17 days, and with a thin roster, the Ducks will need every bit of depth and resilience they can muster.
Here’s a look at what’s ahead:
Upcoming Games
- Feb. 1 - vs.
Iowa, 5 p.m. (Matthew Knight Arena)
- Feb. 7 - at Purdue, 10 a.m.
- Feb. 9 - at Indiana, 5:30 p.m.
- Feb. 14 - vs. Penn State, 12 p.m.
- Feb. 17 - vs. Minnesota, 7:30 p.m.
Where to Watch
- TV: FS1
- Streaming: Fubo, Sling
- Radio: KUGN (590 AM, 98.1 FM), KMTT (910 AM, Portland), KYKN (1430 AM, Salem)
The Ducks have been hit hard by injuries, and it’s showing in the win-loss column. But there’s still time to right the ship. If Simpkins can return and spark the offense, and if Oregon can find a way to tighten things up on the defensive end, they might just be able to claw their way back into the conversation.
For now, though, it’s about getting healthy, staying competitive, and trying to snap a losing streak that’s threatening to define their season.