Ducks Run Away From Utes Late

Friday, February 1

Eugene, OR

7:00 PM

University of Oregon

Utah

Oregon

Photo by: @EricEvansPhoto

02/01/19 | Women's Basketball

Box Score Utah Box 18-19

Oregon went on a 17-3 run early in the fourth quarter to win a battle of top-15 teams Friday night at Matthew Knight Arena, 87-65.

By: Rob Moseley

EUGENE — The No. 4 Oregon women's basketball team used its depth of playmakers and a dominant fourth quarter to hold off No. 14 Utah and remain the only unbeaten team in Pac-12 play Friday night, as the Ducks beat the Utes 87-65 before 7,773 fans in Matthew Knight Arena.

Satou Sabally scored 20 points to lead six UO women in double figures, helping the Ducks counter a 38-point night for Utah's Megan Huff. Huff had a three-point play to get Utah within 60-59 early in the fourth quarter, but Sabally scored seven of Oregon's next eight points as the Ducks began a 17-3 run to take control.

"I really liked the way we showed poise in the fourth quarter," UO coach Kelly Graves said. "Our kids decided, at both ends of the court, that we were going to knock these guys out."

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How It Happened: On a night when several Ducks commanded the spotlight at various times, junior post Ruthy Hebard stepped up first. She scored four times in a span of six UO possessions to help Oregon open up an early 13-5 lead. Sabally followed with a three-pointer and a putback to cap an 8-of-11 shooting start by the UO women, who led 22-11 after the first quarter.

The Ducks (20-1, 9-0 Pac-12) continued to dominate down low in the second quarter, with senior Oti Gildon taking over. Gildon scored twice to open the quarter for the Ducks, and her basket just before the halftime buzzer gave Gildon eight points in the quarter — and gave the Ducks a 37-27 lead. Huff helped Utah stay within shouting distance, scoring 11 in the period with a trio of three-pointers.

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Utah (18-2, 7-2) had the highest scoring period by either team over the entirety of the game in the third period, scoring 29 points. Maite Cazorla tried to keep things calm for Oregon, making a three early in the period for a 42-33 lead, and later a steal and layin for a 46-38 advantage. Cazorla hit another three to put the Ducks up 54-50, but Utah scored on three straight possessions to go ahead 56-54. In a hint of things to come, though, Sabally hit a three-pointer and ended the quarter with a three-point play as the UO women took a 60-56 lead into the fourth.

Huff's three-point play made it a one-point game early in the fourth, but Sabally kept up her scoring touch with five straight to make it 65-59. The Ducks ended up with an 11-0 run capped by a three-pointer from Sabrina Ionescu, who had a quiet night until it mattered most. Her two free throws capped Oregon's 17-3 run to a 77-62 lead, and the junior all-American added another three-pointer to become the sixth UO scorer in double figures.

"We just played our game and got everyone the ball," Sabally said. "We really aren't selfish players, and that's what makes us good."

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Who Stood Out: Sabally added six rebounds to go along with her 20 points, and Cazorla had 16 points with seven assists. Hebard finished with 16 as well, on 8-of-10 shooting, plus seven rebounds, and Erin Boley added 14 points with seven rebounds. Ionescu overcame a slow start scoring the ball to finish with 11 points, nine assists and five rebounds, and Gildon had 10 points on 5-of-6 shooting.

What It Means: Kicking off a stretch of six games in which four opponents are ranked in the top 15 nationally, the Ducks showed themselves to be up to the task of defending their home court against top competition — yet again.

"The crowd lifted us up a lot," Sabally said. "They were super engaged and loud."

Notable: The Ducks extended their program record for wins to start conference play. … Oregon won its seventh straight over Utah. The two teams don't meet again this regular season. … UO guard Morgan Yaeger made her second appearance since Pac-12 play began.

Up Next: The Ducks host Colorado on Sunday at noon.