Ducks beat Beavs 78-56 in raucous night at MKA
Saturday night was a clear reminder of what Oregon sports are all about: making noise.
“I liked the energy level tonight,” Dana Altman said. “Eric hit that shot…I know he was excited about it.”
Eric Williams’ 75-foot bomb was the perfect introduction for Dan Lanning’s halftime hype speech as the Ducks (13-7, 6-3) beat the Beavers (3-14, 1-7), 78-56 in Matthew Knight Arena.
“The one thing I think that makes Oregon different that everybody here needs to understand is we have the most passionate fans in the nation,” Lanning said. “These fans reminded me…why it’s so exciting to be in a place like this.”
A thrilling on-court performance, a boisterous “Shout!”, a packed crowd — and, of course, those two huge moments from Williams and Lanning. Matthew Knight Arena was rocking like never before.
“We had a nice crowd here tonight,” said Jacob Young, who was named MVP of the night. “We’re just trying to pick up the energy.”
Will Richardson scored 15 points on 6/11 FG, including a filthy step-back triple. Three more Ducks joined him in double-figures: Williams (12pts, 5/6), Young (17pts, 6/10), and De’Vion Harmon (12pts, 4/8).
Altman heralded Richardson’s leadership on and off the court.
“Leadership’s not an easy job and it’s not a part-time job,” Altman said. “That’s kept him focused and he’s been pretty consistent.”
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N’Faly Dante had maybe his best night as a Duck: 9 pts on 4/5 FG, 10 boards, and 3 blocks. He won the battle down low against Oregon State’s Roman Silva.
The Ducks forced 10 turnovers and 26% shooting from the Beavers in the first half, where they held a 19-point lead. Williams’ heave sent Matthew Knight Arena into a frenzy.
Notes
Oregon bounced back from a poor second half against Colorado on Tuesday and have now won 7 of their last 8 games.
Matthew Knight Arena’s official attendance came in at 10,712 — including 1,500 students, who sang “Goodbye” to the Beavers as the scrubs finished the game. It was the largest crowd of Oregon’s 2022 season.
Oregon held their in-state rivals to just 30% from the field. The Ducks had 18 fastbreak points to OSU’s zero, as well as 8 blocks to zero.
