by DSH contributing writer Eric Sloat
Sure, another two point loss for the Ducks 74-72, but I feel completely different about this one. I know how I felt after the last game, and I’m pretty sure I wasn’t alone. Frustration, anger, disgust, all of those emotions, and I know moral victories are silly But. If any team could have mailed it in at halftime, down 20 at the half it was this team, and I’m sure a lot of us thought that going out and shoveling snow would be more fun than watching the 2nd half. But the Ducks did not quit, and I hope most of you let the snow wait for a while.
Two-shot travesty: Jahlil Carson sends up a prayer, answered by the officials, who sent him to the line for two. It goes like that when you've lost five games by a total of 13 points (Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports).
The start of the game began badly for the Ducks, and got worse from there; Jordan Bachysnki, the 7’2" center for ASU was dominating the baskets at both ends. It actually seemed like it should have been worse than what it was. With a little more than 12 minutes to go, ASU started clicking, and the route was underway. The Ducks looked like Lilliputians trying to do anything against Bachynsk, and finished shooting sub 25% from the field.i
The second half started out not looking much better than the first; but more shots were falling for the Ducks, still, with 7 minutes gone, Arizona State, led 50-37. But then Waverly Austin was charged with a flagrant foul that definitely lit a fire in the Ducks who would scorch the Sun Devils, 36-23 the rest of the way. Oregon finished shooting 37% from the field, 26 of 71. Not good by any means, but a quantum jump over the first half. The Ducks ended up with a higher total of made baskets than the Sun Devils, who finished with 21. The Ducks doubled the Devils in made 3’s, 6-3. Oregon forced the Arizona State into 15 turnovers, while committing only 7. Arizona State did lead in rebounding by 5, 37-32,. Where ASU finished the game with the biggest advantage was in free throws attempted, ASU – 39. Oregon – 18.
During their second half run the Ducks had the Sun Devils on their heels, looking tired, and nervous, their only relief coming when they could catch their breath shooting free throws. Joe Young, scoreless in the first half, finished with 29. Dominick Artis played his best game of the season, most importantly on the defensive end. He was inside Jahii Carson’s jersey all game. Not only was Artis the primary reason Carson finished with just 11 points on 2-10 shooting, but he was also the key to keeping Carson from feeding the ball inside to Bachynski, who had 18 in the first half, and finished with 26. Keeping Bachynski down was a major part of the comeback, and why Altman had Artis on the bench, and 5’7" Loyd guarding Carson for the final minutes is a mystery I’ll never understand. Altman said he’d look at the film after the game, maybe he’ll notice it then.
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
