Are The Ducks For Real?

Following the Oregon’s men’s basketball team’s victory over the UCLA Bruins, the Ducks now find themselves tied with California at the top of the Pac-12 standings at 6-2. This marks the Ducks’ best start to a season since they went 6-1 during the 2006-07 season and advanced to the Elite Eight.

So the question arises: does this Oregon squad have what it takes to advance that deep into March Madness this year?

From how they have performed this year, I would say absolutely. Not based on their record, or who they have played, but how they have won those games. The Ducks are 10-0 in games decided by less than 10 points. This shows that the Ducks have enough experience and play smart when games wind down in the second half.

Another aspect that makes the Ducks a threat to make a deep run during the rest of the season and postseason is their offense attack. There have been six different leading scorers for Oregon thus far on the season.

During the postseason when teams play one high caliber team after another, the fatigue can become a factor for a leading scorer who sees a lot of action. However, on a team like Oregon, if you’re the leading scorer or second leading scorer is not performing at a high enough level, there are other players who can step up on the offensive side.

It appears to be Oregon’s year in men’s major sports, winning the first Pac-12 title in football and now in excellent position to win the first Pac-12 men’s basketball title as well.