Friday, November 11
Eugene, Ore.
8:00 PM
University of Oregon
1-0
91
vs
77
Army
0-1
1
2
F
Army
31
46
77
Oregon
49
42
91
Photo by: Eric Evans/GoDucks.com
Ducks Win Opener Despite Second-Half Lull
11/11/16 | Men's Basketball
No. 5 Oregon led by as many as 20 points in the first half, but Army fought admirably in the second half Friday in Matthew Knight Arena.
EUGENE, Ore. — Before the first nonconference sellout crowd in Matthew Knight Arena history, the fifth-ranked Oregon men's basketball team opened the 2016-17 season with a 91-77 victory Friday night in front of 12,364 fans.
How It Happened: The Ducks led by as many as 20 in the first half, then saw Army fight back within as few as nine twice in the final eight minutes. The Black Knights were within 84-73 with 2:36 to go, until Jordan Bell hit two free throws and then Tyler Dorsey followed an Army miss with a three-pointer.
Oregon's defensive intensity lagged after the break, as Army shot .294 in the first half but .500 in the second. Fortunately for the Ducks, they had ample offense to answer, shooting .522 in the second half and .450 for the game. The Ducks also made 28-of-34 free throws in the game, including 14-of-15 in the first half.
The record will show that Oregon's first eight points of the season came in rare fashion, a pair of four-point plays on which Dorsey and Chris Boucher hit three-pointers and were fouled. Dorsey added another three-pointer for an 11-5 lead, and then JC transfer Kavell Bigby-Williams scored on three straight possessions to make it 18-11. The lead got as high as 20 at 47-27 when Roman Sorkin pulled down a tough rebound and fed Boucher for a basket underneath late in the first half.
Who Stood Out: Dorsey scored 21 on 7-of-11 shooting, leading five players in double figures. Freshman point guard Payton Pritchard added 15 points with a team-high four assists in his UO debut, looking every bit the big-time playmaker the Ducks anticipated. Bell and Boucher each had 14 points and eight rebounds, and Bell blocked six shots, tied for fifth in UO single-game history. Sorkin added 12 points, five rebounds and four blocks.
What It Means: The Ducks established some momentum entering a tough stretch of games to open this season, but not to the extent they would have liked. They'll need to raise their play next week at Baylor and back at home for Valparaiso.
Quotable:
Head coach Dana Altman
On his impressions overall
"We did a lot of good things. I thought our ball movement was good early, and we got up 20. But I was disappointed in the second half. We didn't defend as well, and they kind of got whatever they wanted."
Junior forward Jordan Bell
On the flow of the season's opening game
"It felt good to get it out of the way. Obviously we have some stuff we need to work on. We need to get those wrinkles out right now. … Energy-wise, we didn't bring it. Kind of went through the motions. That's something we have to work on."
Junior forward Roman Sorkin
On looking to play well and establish his role in the post rotation
"I'm just trying to play every game the best I can, every minute I get. I feel good."
Notable: Following the game, the Ducks gave their jerseys to veterans on hand. … The Ducks matched the school record of 13 blocked shots they established last season against Arkansas State. … Junior Dillon Brooks and freshman M.J. Cage were not in uniform, after also sitting out Monday's exhibition victory. Brooks had played in all 74 games in his career entering this season. Altman said the Ducks have discussed redshirting Cage but haven't made a final determination.
Up Next: The Ducks go on the road to face Baylor in a Tuesday matinee (12:30 p.m., ESPN2).
How It Happened: The Ducks led by as many as 20 in the first half, then saw Army fight back within as few as nine twice in the final eight minutes. The Black Knights were within 84-73 with 2:36 to go, until Jordan Bell hit two free throws and then Tyler Dorsey followed an Army miss with a three-pointer.
Oregon's defensive intensity lagged after the break, as Army shot .294 in the first half but .500 in the second. Fortunately for the Ducks, they had ample offense to answer, shooting .522 in the second half and .450 for the game. The Ducks also made 28-of-34 free throws in the game, including 14-of-15 in the first half.
The record will show that Oregon's first eight points of the season came in rare fashion, a pair of four-point plays on which Dorsey and Chris Boucher hit three-pointers and were fouled. Dorsey added another three-pointer for an 11-5 lead, and then JC transfer Kavell Bigby-Williams scored on three straight possessions to make it 18-11. The lead got as high as 20 at 47-27 when Roman Sorkin pulled down a tough rebound and fed Boucher for a basket underneath late in the first half.
Who Stood Out: Dorsey scored 21 on 7-of-11 shooting, leading five players in double figures. Freshman point guard Payton Pritchard added 15 points with a team-high four assists in his UO debut, looking every bit the big-time playmaker the Ducks anticipated. Bell and Boucher each had 14 points and eight rebounds, and Bell blocked six shots, tied for fifth in UO single-game history. Sorkin added 12 points, five rebounds and four blocks.
What It Means: The Ducks established some momentum entering a tough stretch of games to open this season, but not to the extent they would have liked. They'll need to raise their play next week at Baylor and back at home for Valparaiso.
Quotable:
Head coach Dana Altman
On his impressions overall
"We did a lot of good things. I thought our ball movement was good early, and we got up 20. But I was disappointed in the second half. We didn't defend as well, and they kind of got whatever they wanted."
Junior forward Jordan Bell
On the flow of the season's opening game
"It felt good to get it out of the way. Obviously we have some stuff we need to work on. We need to get those wrinkles out right now. … Energy-wise, we didn't bring it. Kind of went through the motions. That's something we have to work on."
Junior forward Roman Sorkin
On looking to play well and establish his role in the post rotation
"I'm just trying to play every game the best I can, every minute I get. I feel good."
Notable: Following the game, the Ducks gave their jerseys to veterans on hand. … The Ducks matched the school record of 13 blocked shots they established last season against Arkansas State. … Junior Dillon Brooks and freshman M.J. Cage were not in uniform, after also sitting out Monday's exhibition victory. Brooks had played in all 74 games in his career entering this season. Altman said the Ducks have discussed redshirting Cage but haven't made a final determination.
Up Next: The Ducks go on the road to face Baylor in a Tuesday matinee (12:30 p.m., ESPN2).
Team Stats
ARMY
ORE
FG%
.394
.450
3FG%
.375
.360
FT%
.696
.824
RB
30
42
TO
13
17
STL
3
2
Game Leaders
Pts
21
FGM
7
3FGM
4
FTM
3
Pts
15
FGM
3
3FGM
2
FTM
7
Pts
14
FGM
3
3FGM
0
FTM
8
Pts
14
FGM
5
3FGM
1
FTM
3
Players Mentioned
F
/ Men's Basketball
F
/ Men's BasketballF
/ Men's Basketball
F
/ Men's Basketball
G
/ Men's BasketballG
/ Men's Basketball
F
/ Men's BasketballDana Altman | Season Preview
Monday, October 20
Oregon Men's Basketball | Who Woulda Thought - Episode 3
Tuesday, September 30
Oregon Men's Basketball | Who Woulda Thought - Episode 2
Monday, September 08
Oregon Men's Basketball | Who Woulda Thought - Episode 1
Friday, August 22
