Duck Defense Primed for Pac-12 Tournament Run

Two weeks ago, the Oregon men's basketball team walked off the court in Pauley Pavilion with a loss after surrendering a 19-point second half lead to UCLA. A loss that gave the Ducks a losing record, moving them to 6-8 in the Pac-12, and had people counting them out of the conference race.

But today is a different story. That Saturday in Los Angeles, Oregon allowed the Bruins to score 62 points in the second half alone. Since then, Oregon hasn't allowed a team to score 62 points in an entire game.

The Ducks are energized, they're focused. They've won four games in a row, dismantling the Arizona schools at home and then going on the road to beat the top team in the Pac-12, Washington, on its senior night. The Ducks' recent success has earned them the sixth seed in the Pac-12 Tournament – recreating last year's matchup – as they face Washington State on Wednesday in Sin City (8:30 p.m. PT, Pac-12 Networks).

"We have to keep playing how we've been playing," said Payton Pritchard. "Right now we're competing at a high level defensively and it's helped us get wins."

The veteran guard hit it right on the nose – Oregon's key in the last four games has without a doubt been its defense, which has allowed a stingy 51.5 points per game in that span.

And Pritchard, in particular, has been excellent. The junior has recorded 15 steals over the past five games which have contributed immensely to Oregon's newfound success. Pritchard has also increased his offensive productivity, tallying 25 assists in the same span and scoring in double-figures in all five outings.

Maybe it's the sense of urgency that typically accompanies the month of March. Maybe what head coach Dana Altman has been saying all season is finally resonating with the team. Maybe it's a little bit of both.

"We haven't changed anything," said Altman. "It's just execution and trying to get things going. If you've watched us play over the years, it's the same thing."

The Ducks have also began starting their largest lineup – Kenny Wooten, Francis Okoro, Louis King, Paul White and Pritchard – giving them an average height of six feet and seven inches on the floor to begin the past few games.

The added length has allowed Oregon to alter opponent's shots while also registering deflections and steals right out of the gates. These seemingly small things add up, and give the entire roster an unparalleled source of energy, inspiring the reserves to go out and match the intensity.

While Altman admits that the Ducks' recent performances have given the guys confidence heading into the tournament, it becomes crucial to refrain from looking ahead too far and to stay focused on the game in front of them.

"When you worry about four (games), you don't get out of one," Altman said. "So it's all about Washington State."

The team understands this, but there is without question one overarching goal in mind as they head to Las Vegas – win the one in front of you, and then next one and so on until you're dancing in March.

"If we do our thing," said Wooten. "I think we'll beat any team."