Dana Altman addresses low fan turnout during Oregon's win over UC Riverside

Oregon’s win over UC Riverside in Eugene on Wednesday drew one of the lowest attendance figures by a Ducks’ men’s basketball team in the history of Matthew Knight Arena.

The announced attendance total of 4,738 equaled the second-lowest for a home game since the venue opened in January 2011.

The lowest (4,375) occurred during Oregon’s March 16, 2011 win over Weber State in the opening round of the College Basketball Invitational.

It’s worth noting that the fall academic term ended last week and that many University of Oregon students are no longer on campus. Even during the Ducks’ most successful seasons over the past decade, the departure of students for winter break typically correlates with a decline in attendance.

But even with that caveat, Wednesday’s sparse crowd was an anomaly.

Here’s a rundown of attendance figures from Oregon midweek home games during the third week of December in recent seasons. Games from the 2020-21 season are not listed due to the lack of in-person crowds during that pandemic.

• Dec. 15, 2021, vs. Portland: 5,251
• Dec. 18, 2019, vs. Montana: 5,803
• Dec. 18, 2018, vs. Florida A&M: 6,909
• Dec. 20, 2017, vs. Central Arkansas: 6,908
• Dec. 20, 2016, vs. Fresno State: 7,169

During his postgame press conference, head coach Dana Altman was asked about the meager turnout for Wednesday’s game, and what the Oregon program can do to cultivate greater fan interest.

He provided an answer that was a bit tongue-in-cheek and self-deprecating, while also addressing the reality of the situation.

“It was a little dead in there tonight,” Altman said when asked what the program can do to cultivate more fan interest. “I didn’t know what the answer is. The students do make a difference. But 4,700. … Our guys are battling. Our record is not what we want it to be.

“I’ve been here a long time. They’re tired of me. I don’t know what the factors are. I’m not the most inspiring guy; I do understand that. But, I’ve gotta worry about my team. I want them to do good.”

Oregon has had a tumultuous start to its 2022-23 campaign. The Ducks were ranked No. 21 in the preseason AP Poll but lost four of their first six games and currently sit at 6-5.

Just four of Oregon’s 12 scholarship players have been available for all 11 games, with the other eight all missing stretches of play due to injury.

Altman acknowledged that the team’s poor start has likely affected fan interest. He said earlier this week that Oregon’s four players who are still out injured — Jermaine Couisnard, Keeshawn Barthelemy, Nate Bittle, and Ethan Butler — will be sidelined for the remainder of the non-conference schedule.

He noted that Oregon has been a much-improved group since a few of their previously injured made healthy returns, and hopes the Ducks will continue their upward trend as more players return to the lineup.

“I appreciate the 4,700 who came. I appreciate the people who support us and stay with us,” Altman said. “I know our record is not what it should be or what we want it to be. We’re just gonna have to grind it out and hopefully get some people back here.”