After trailing for almost the entire game, the Oregon Ducks men’s basketball team secured a 68-60 win against the USC Trojans, preserving their undefeated record and moving to 9-0 on the season.
Two minutes in, USC scored the game’s first points and Oregon quickly responded. After that, the Trojans pulled in front, and they led until the score was 55-55. At one point USC led by 11 points (28-17). Both teams struggled to shoot in the game, but the Ducks still found a way to win.
With five minutes to go in the game, Oregon finally found their stride. After Jackson Shelstad made two free throws to make the score 55-52 USC, Oregon got a quick stop, which turned into a transition three from Keeshawn Barthelemy to tie the game. A few moments later, Shelsatd stroked a three to give the Ducks their first lead of the game.
From that point, it was all Ducks.
Oregon vs. USC Keys to the Game
The Ducks had low energy to start the game, which allowed the Trojans to build an early lead. Oregon never fully became their high-flying, fast-paced selves, but in the second half, they played with much more rhythm.
USC closed the first half 0 for their last seven shots, with no FGs in the final four-and-a-half minutes. Oregon played a poor first half, but their strong defensive effort to close the period kept them in the game.
After a poor shooting performance in the first half, the Ducks found a way to efficiently score, particularly from three-point range. After making just 3/10 threes in the first half, the Ducks made 5/13 in the second half, which made a big difference for them.
After missing his first 11 shots, Oregon shooting guard TJ Bamba made his first shot with 8:00 left in the second half. From that point, Bamba and the Ducks’ offense was smoother and operated with more confidence to close the game.
The Ducks were the victims of some foul trouble, with Nate Bittle, Jadrian Tracey, and Mookie Cook all picking up their fourth foul around the midpoint in the second half. By the end of the game, Bittle and Tracey had both fouled out.
Oregon vs. USC Players of the Game
Keeshawn Barthelemy: 18 points, 5 assists, 2 rebounds, 6/9 FGs, 4/5 3Ps
Jackson Shelstad: 24 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal 5/13 FGs, 12/14 FTs
Brandon Angel: 8 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 3/4 FGs
Nate Bittle: 5 points, 6 rebounds, 3 blocks, 1 steal
Oregon vs. USC Notable Stats
Both teams finished the game shooting less than 30% from the field. Oregon finished 35% from three, while USC shot 15%, which was probably the key difference in the game.
With just one center active on Wednesday night, USC outscored Oregon in the paint 28-18.
The rebound battle was tight throughout the game, but USC finished with one more than Oregon, 35-34.
Jackson Shelstad finished the game 12/14 from the free throw line. 11 of those made foul shots came in the second half.
What’s Next for Oregon Ducks?
Dec. 8 — vs. UCLA Bruins
Dec. 15 — vs. Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks
Dec. 21 — at Stanford Cardinal
Dec. 29 — vs. Weber State Wildcats
Jan. 2 — vs. No. 19 Illinois Fighting Illini
Oregon will have their first conference home game as members of the Big Ten this Sunday against the challenging UCLA Bruins. After that, the Ducks have some tough games and some light games to close out the 2024 portion of their season.