University of Oregon
3-0
Portland
4-1
Ducks Stage Monster Comeback
11/23/10 | Women's Basketball
PORTLAND – Oregon staged a monumental comeback and handed Portland its first defeat with an 83-79 victory on Monday night at the Chiles Center.
The Ducks (3-0) trailed by as many as 20 points with 18:18 remaining in the second half, but knocked down six second-half buckets from behind the arc to complete the comeback.
Junior Amanda Johnson recorded the 14th double-double of her career leading Oregon with 20 points and 12 rebounds, while junior point guard Nia Jackson overcame early foul trouble and began breaking down Portland's defense to score 18 points and add a game-high five assists.
“We were relentless in our second half pursuit,” head coach Paul Westhead said. “Our press generated some turnovers and we started making some shots.”
In the second half, Oregon benefited from 20 points from its bench, 12 points off Pilot turnovers and 12 second-chance points.
The game was tied at 77-77 with 1:22 to play, before junior guard Ashley Buis dropped a runner in the lane to give the Ducks an 79-77 cushion. Buis finished the game with 11 points
Two free throws from Portland's Alex Gannis tied the game again with 52 seconds to play, but UO's defense held the Pilots (4-1) scoreless the rest of the way.
Jackson then broke down Portland's defense and gave UO an 81-79 lead with a smooth lay-in as 36 seconds were left on the clock.
The Seattle native then picked up one of her three steals, stripping Tara Cronin with 12 seconds remaining and traveling from baseline to baseline for another lay-up as she cemented the Ducks win with eight seconds to go.
“Nia Jackson is a changed player,” Westhead said.” Last year she was good in streaks. Now she is a very good player.”
The Ducks had shot a cold 23.3 percent in the first half, but shot 53.7 percent (22-41) in the second half for 40.8 percent (29-71) for the game.
Portland was led by Natalie Day's game-high 25 points and 11 rebounds. ReZine Teclemariam added 10 points while Nakeisha Brown scored 12.
After trailing by 20, the Ducks put together a 13-2 run to trail by just 50-41 with 14:49 to play.
Freshmen Ariel Thomas and Danielle Love drained back-to-back 3-pointers as UO closed 60-58 with 8:17 to play.
Senior Tatianna Thomas came off the bench to knock down some critical jumpers, tying the game at 62-62 with 6:16 to play, and then giving UO its first lead, 67-65, since the 7:07 mark of the first half.
Oregon trailed 42-28 at the half as Portland dominated the Ducks on the boards, 32-19. The Pilots scored 15 second-chance points off their 15 offensive rebounds.
UO had trouble from the floor, shooting just 23.2 (7-30) percent, and turning the ball over on 16 occasions as Portland tallied 12 steals.
UO was just 1-of-13 from behind the arc while UP knocked down four 3-pointers.
Day led Portland with 14 points in the first half while Johnson guided the Ducks with 10.
Oregon returns to action on Friday, hosting the three-day Oregon Invitational. The first game of the day tips off at 9 a.m. with Cal State Bakersfield and Sacramento State. Oregon will host Idaho at 11:15 a.m. in the second game of the day.
TICKETS
Tickets can be purchased by clicking HERE, calling 1-800-WEB-FOOT, or in person at the Casanova Center ticket office. Tickets can also be purchased at the McArthur Court ticket window 90 minutes prior to game time. The doors to Mac Court open 60 minutes prior to tip.
OREGON INVITATIONAL
Promotions - Food For Lane County
The Ducks return to Mac Court to host the Oregon Invitational, Friday-Sunday. UO will welcome Cal State Bakersfield, Idaho and Sacramento State to the tournament.
Fans are asked to help ease hunger in Lane County by donating non-perishable food items to Food for Lane County. Donate three items at the McArthur Court entrance to receive $3 off the general admission ticket price each day of the tournament.
Promotions - Arizona Ticket Stub
Fans can also bring their ticket stub from Friday's football game vs. Arizona, and receive a free general admission ticket to Saturday's game vs. Cal State Bakersfield, scheduled for a 2:15 p.m. tip.
Notes: Amanda Johnson recorded the 14th double-double of her career with 20 points and 12 rebounds…the Ducks lead the series against Portland 23-4 all-time.
