Instant Recap: No. 23 Oregon defeats Indiana 72-59

It is finally postseason basketball time, and the Ducks are in Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Day 2 to play the Indiana Hoosiers. This will be like a home game for the Hoosiers, with the amount of fans they will have in attendance. The Ducks defeated the Hoosiers 73-64 in Eugene just 9 days ago. The game was closer than the final score would indicate as the Ducks went on a late run.

Starters:

Shelstad, Bamba, Barthelemy, Angel, and Bittle starting for the Ducks. Hoosiers starting Leal, Goode, Galloway, Mgbako, and Ballo.

First Half:

Defense turning into offense to start for Oregon, with two steals and four points from it. Both teams going back and forth, IU leads 10-7 with 16:43 to play in the first half. Kwame Evans Jr subbing in for Brandon Angel.

*Wifi went out for the rest of the half*

Angel needed that one to fall, 17-21 Ducks trail. Another one for Brandon Angel, a 3-pointer this time. Yet again, Brandon Angel connects on a 3-pointer, we’re all tied. All knotted up at 23 with 6:48 left in the first. 8-2 run over the last 2:15 for the Ducks.

TJ Bamba draws a foul, heads to the line for two. 1/2 at the line. Ra’Heim Moss in for Tracey. Ducks lead 24-23. Ra’Heim Moss slipped on a spot they just cleaned…

Keeshawn and Kwame in for Moss and Angel. Two fouls on Mackenzie Mgbako for IU. Shelstad ties the game at 27 with 4 to go in the half. Bittle connects on a 3-pointer. Ducks back ahead 30-29. Bamba connects on a 3-pointer now.

Shelstad gets his own rebound and makes the mid-range shot. Keeshawn gets the floater to fall. Timeout Indiana. Oregon leads 37-29.

Ducks lead at the half 37-29. That is without Bittle giving them much of a lift at all. Oregon ended the half on a 10-0 run.

Second Half:

Horrific start to the 2nd half and Dana Altman calls timeout, now only a two point game. 37-35 Ducks with 18:29 to play.

Finally the Ducks have scored in the 2nd half, Brandon Angel bucket. Bittle is fouled down low, and checks out after making both FTs. Supreme Cook in.

Oregon leads 41-37 with 15:26 left in the game, up to 12 turnovers however. Indiana converts an and-one to cut it to a one point game before TJ Bamba gets a pretty move and layup to fall.

Ducks on a run of their own now, leading 47-40 with 13:19 to play.

Just like that, it’s 47-45 and the crowd is back into it. Bamba wisely gets to the rim and draws the third foul on Mackenzie Mgbako. He makes one of two, Ducks up 3.

Ducks call timeout with 11 seconds left on the shot clock, leading 50-47 with 10:22 to play.

Galloway left wide open and connects on a 3-pointer. Angel is blocked on the other end before Malik Reneau makes a reverse layup. Oregon sees their lead diminish to only two points, 56-54 with 7:18 remaining.

Jadrian Tracey connects on a huge 3-pointer, and IU turns it over on their next possession. Bittle called for his 2nd, looked like a phantom call. Oregon’s 5th team foul. Now the team’s 6th and Tracey’s 2nd foul. Kwame Evans Jr picks up his second foul, the team’s 7th. IU now goes to the line, 1-and-1. Misses the free throw, rebound by Oregon.

TJ Bamba gets the hook shot to fall, Ducks lead 61-54. Again Oregon unable to grab a loose ball and eventually Jadrian Tracey fouls, picking up his third and the team’s 8th. 1-and-1 incoming. IU can’t hit the first FT, but is able to get the offensive rebound. Myles Rice’s shot would be off on the second chance.

Anthony Leal is called for his second foul, IU’s 5th. Jackson Shelstad will shoot two when we return from the media timeout. Oregon leads 61-54 with 3:06 to play. Shelstad makes both, Ducks lead by 9. Next Oregon possession, Jackson Shelstad hits the fadeaway midrange and the lead is now 11. Timeout Indiana, Oregon leading 65-54, 2:13 to go.

TJ Bamba fouled, will head to the line. Ducks up 70-59 with 52.7 remaining. Bamba’s FT attempt is off but Indiana is unable to make a 3-pointer. Kwame Evans Jr is fouled and will head to the line. He makes both, Oregon up 13.

Oregon runs out the clock, and wins the rematch against Indiana, 72-59. The Ducks will face No. 1 seed Michigan State tomorrow at Noon EST. Very pleased with how TJ Bamba played today, 17 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist, and steal. Bamba also shot 66% from the field today on 6/9 from the floor, including a 3-pointer.