Pac-12 Tournament: The Day Two Rundown
By Daniel Tran
March 12, 2015; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Oregon Ducks guard
Joseph Young(3) shoots the basketball against Colorado Buffaloes forward
Josh Scott(40) during the second half in the quarterfinal round of the Pac-12 Conference tournament at MGM Grand Garden Arena. The Ducks defeated the Buffaloes 93-85. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
(#2)Oregon Ducks survives tough test against the (#10)Colorado Buffaloes, 93-85
Just because Oregon came into the game winning their last five games does not mean they were going to have a cakewalk in the Pac-12 Tournament. Fortunately for Oregon, the momentum from the end of season is still invigorating their play.
It did not look like that in the beginning, though. Colorado started the game with a 7-0 run and looked like they were carrying their own momentum from their win against Oregon State in the previous round.
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They even held Oregon, who is averaging 6.8 three-point field goals per game in conference play, without a three-point field goal until 2:30 left in the second half. However, when they allowed that first three-pointer, they allowed Oregon’s second three-pointer six seconds later and only held a 37-34 lead headed into the second half.
That’s when the fatigue of last night hit Colorado and Oregon’s press started imposing their will. By the end of game, Oregon forced 13 turnovers and changed the pace of the game.
Forcing those turnovers and finding their rhythm, Oregon began picking the Buffaloes apart on offense. In the second half, Oregon shot 75.8 percent from the field, mostly because Colorado inexplicably left 6’10” forward Josh Scott in single coverage against Pac-12 Player of the Year Joe Young on screen switches.
Young took advantage of the mismatch constantly; torching Colorado for 30 points on 54.5 percent shooting and three steals, looking to prove that he was worthy of his player of the year designation. His big night overshadowed Elgin Cook’s 20-point, 80 percent shooting performance, and 6’5” Dillon Brooks’ 11-point, 10-rebound effort.
Oregon will look to their carry this effort into their next game against Utah.
Next: Utah vs. Stanford