Despite not winning, Oregon women’s basketball will return from Hawaii with a wealth of knowledge.
In the second of two games at the North Shore Showcase event in Laie, Hawaii, the No. 21 Ducks fell to South Dakota State 75-70 on Tuesday. Oregon couldn’t mount a late comeback against the Jackrabbits, a day after losing badly to Georgia Tech on the boards.
The Ducks (6-2) were led by 19 points by Deja Kelly, who also received 10 points and eight rebounds from Amina Muhammad.
Brooklyn Meyer led the Jackrabbits (4-2) with 19 points, followed by Haleigh Timmer with 15 and Paige Meyer with 16. South Dakota State made 19 of 22 free throws and had a 50% three-point shooting percentage.
In addition to Sofia Bell and Phillipina Kyei, Oregon added Nani Falatea and Ehis Etute to the starting lineup.
With South Dakota State and Oregon exchanging transition buckets, it was a back-and-forth start. A fast-paced first quarter included eight lead changes and seven ties, with Bell’s banked three putting the Ducks ahead 22-19 at the half.
However, by forcing mistakes and getting easy shots in the paint, the Jackrabbits snatched back the lead early in the second quarter and dominated the most of the quarter. South Dakota State went on a 9-0 run, taking a 28-24 lead, thanks to Oregon’s turnover problems.
In order to keep the game tight, Kelly would respond by leading the Ducks offensively and making a few midrange jumpers. However, the Jackrabbits led 40-36 at the half after making three three-pointers.
Kelly continued to put out effort on both ends for Oregon, making crucial shots and the correct defensive plays despite South Dakota State’s explosive shooting in the third. However, the Jackrabbits’ effort was unrelenting, and as they dispersed the ball, their shooting percentage rose past 50%.
As their bench exploded late in the third, Madysen Vlastuin’s three put South Dakota State ahead 56-49. However, a three-pointer from Oregon’s Muhammad trimmed the deficit to 56-51.
Muhammad and Alexis Whitfield made consecutive baskets to begin the fourth quarter, cutting the game to within one point and forcing the Jackrabbits to take a timeout. As the last quarter progressed, Kelly continued to be aggressive in her pursuit of the hoop, making the game-winning free throw on her and-one with 6:14 remaining.
However, the Ducks’ failure to defend consistently on the other end and errors in the closing minutes put them in danger as they tried to rally. With 33 seconds remaining, Kelly’s jumper turned the game into a four-point contest once more. Muhammad then made a layup to trim the deficit to two after an instant steal amid the full-court press.
With less than 30 seconds remaining, a three-pointer from Peyton Scott clanked off the hoop, putting Oregon behind three points. The Ducks were unable to catch up and were forced to play the foul game the remainder of the game.
Next up: Washington State (2-3) vs. No. 21 Oregon (6-2).
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When:
Wednesday, Dec. 4
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Time:
7 p.m. PT
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Where:
Matthew Knight Arena, Eugene
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Streaming:
B1G+
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Radio:
Oregon Sports Network
–The Oregon Ducks and Big Ten Conference are covered by Ryan Clarke. Get the Ducks Roundup email or listen to the Ducks Confidential podcast.
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