University of Oregon
15-11, 6-7
USC
15-12, 8-6
Ducks Fall in L.A.
02/21/19 | Men's Basketball
The Oregon men’s basketball team struggled offensively against USC, resulting in a 66-49 loss on Thursday.
LOS ANGELES, Calif. – The Oregon men's basketball team struggled offensively on Thursday night, resulting in a 66-49 loss to USC at the Galen Center.
How It Happened: Both teams got off to a slow start in the City of Angels, not putting up any points until over two minutes into the first half when USC (15-12, 8-6 Pac-12) knocked down a jumper. After the Trojans warmed up the rim, things began to look promising for the Ducks as they went on a 7-0 run to take a 7-2 lead at the first media timeout.
Following the timeout, Victor Bailey Jr. provided a spark off the bench for Oregon (15-11, 6-7 Pac-12), grabbing a rebound and taking it coast-to-coast for a contested two points. Freshman Miles Norris was the next Duck to strike, hitting a bank shot to give UO a six point lead, 16-10, with 10:50 to go.
But that would be the end of the Ducks' offensive surge as USC took control. The Trojans ended the half on a hot-streak, knocking down some shots from deep and tallying a couple of and-ones to gain a 30-25 lead at half.
While the Ducks' offensive struggles followed them into the second half, USC continued to find success. Sharp shooting by USC's Bennie Boatwright, who finished with a game-high 20 points, ensured that the Ducks got no closer than six points in the second half as the Trojans stayed out in front and secured the home-court victory.
Who Stood Out: Louis King tallied 16 points, six rebounds and three assists … Victory Bailey Jr. also scored in double-figures with 10 points.
Notable: Louis King reached double figures for the 12th time in 13 Pac-12 games this season … Kenny Wooten was cleared to play without the protective mask he had to wear the last nine games after suffering a broken jaw Dec. 21 at Baylor … UO President Michael Schill, ESPN Sportscenter anchor Neil Everett and "Modern Family" star Ty Burrell were among the Duck fans in attendance at USC on Thursday.
Quotable:
Dana Altman, Head Coach
"We've just got to play better. Offensively, we've got to hit some shots, and defensively we're still not connecting like we should … We're having trouble scoring right now, no doubt about it."
Up Next: The Ducks travel 13 miles up the road where they will face UCLA on Saturday (7 p.m. PT, ESPN2).
