Ducks Cap Nonconference With Ninth Straight

Tuesday, December 20

Eugene, Ore.

8:00 PM

University of Oregon

11-2

Fresno State

8-4

Fresno State

Oregon

Photo by: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports

12/20/16 | Men's Basketball

Box Score Oregon-Fresno State Box Score Oregon Ducks Season Stats Postgame Quotes

No. 20 Oregon beat Fresno State on Tuesday night to enter Pac-12 play with an 11-2 record.

By: Rob Moseley

EUGENE, Ore. — Oregon extended its winning streak to nine games and wrapped up nonconference play with positive momentum Tuesday, as the Ducks beat Fresno State 75-63 before 7,169 fans in Matthew Knight Arena.

How It Happened: The No. 20 Ducks (11-2) trailed only briefly in the opening minutes, before taking control during an impressive stretch of defense late in the first half. Oregon took the lead for good on an alley-oop and-one by Jordan Bell for an 11-8 lead, and was up 22-17 later in the half when the defensive intensity ramped up. Fresno State went 6:15 between field goals, during which the Ducks mounted a 10-2 run to a 32-19 lead.

Oregon led 39-25 after the first half, which ended on a Roman Sorkin putback. Fresno State clawed back into the game early in the second half, opening the period on a 15-6 run that the Bulldogs capped with six straight points. That caused UO coach Dana Altman to call timeout with his team up just 45-40.

Bell helped stabilize the Ducks, in spectacular fashion. He hit two free throws to end the Fresno run, and two of Oregon's next three field goals were alley-oops to Bell, the second a halfcourt pass from Dylan Ennis that Bell slammed home while being fouled. He made the free throw for a 56-50 lead, and moments later tomahawked home yet another dunk for a 58-50 lead, after a Casey Benson drive and dish.

Who Stood Out: Bell continued a torrid recent pace, scoring 23 points, grabbing eight rebounds and blocking three shots, all of which led the Ducks. He made 8-of-11 field-goal attempts, and is now 18-of-23 over his last three games. Ennis added 13 points. Oregon's unsung hero was Benson, who didn't start but played 29 minutes and was on the court down the stretch in the second half. He finished with seven points, five rebounds, five assists and three steals, with no turnovers.

What It Means: The Ducks once again managed without senior forward Chris Boucher, who missed his second game with a lower leg injury but was not in a walking boot Tuesday evening. They also continued their winning ways at home, extending to 33 games their win streak at Matthew Knight Arena.

Quotable:
Head coach Dana Altman
On the flow of the game
"We took some bad shots; our shooting percentage first half was 56 (percent), and I thought our ball movement was good. And then our shooting percentage second half, just 36. I thought we just took a lot of bad shots."

Junior forward Jordan Bell
On Benson's presence in the final minutes
"Casey calms everybody down. When we get out of hand, start taking quick shots, Casey always brings it up like, 'slow down, run our plays.' You see what happens, everyone will get easy shots."

Junior guard Casey Benson
On Bell's increased offensive contributions
"Jordan's always been extremely skilled around the basket. Now he's just taking his time. People can't guard him. It's just been awesome to see him playing so well. If you get him the ball, we know he's going to make the shot or make a pass. Either way, good things happen."

Notable: Fresno State's Jahmel Taylor entered the night shooting 59.3 percent from three-point range, second in the NCAA. He finished the game 0-for-7. … In the first half, Oregon made 16-of-21 two-point attempts, while the Bulldogs made 4-of-13. … The Bulldogs held their own on the boards, finishing even with the Ducks, 31-31.

Up Next: After a brief break for the holidays, the Ducks return to action with their opening game of Pac-12 play, against UCLA in Matthew Knight Arena on Dec. 28 (6 p.m., ESPN2).