Oregon Basketball: 3 keys to success against UC Irvine

Oregon basketball is scorching hot but they face off against another really strong team in the UC Irvine Anteaters in the second round. How can they take the win?

Oregon basketball extended its winning streak to nine by upsetting Wisconsin, 72-54, in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. During this nine-game stretch, the Ducks are allowing fewer than 54 points per game. To put this number in perspective, Virginia has the nation’s top-ranked scoring defense, allowing 55.1 points per game.

The 12th-seeded Ducks will now face the No. 13 seed UC Irvine. The Big West champion Anteaters extended their win streak to 17 by upsetting Kansas State. They gave K-State all it could handle in terms of size and strength down low, although the rebounding numbers are skewed in K State’s favor due to many lucky bounces. Elston Jones, UCI’s 260-pound center, had one of his best offensive games, going 5-for-8 from two for 11 points.

Irvine could also hold its own in terms of speed. It outscored K-State 7-2 in fast break points and succeeded in the half-court with players like Robert Cartwright that could beat their respective defender to the basket. The Anteaters proved to be deep as well, accruing 19 bench points. Tactically, they showed more aggression by giving the Wildcats different defensive schemes to deal with.

The Ducks will not overlook an Anteater team that clearly belongs on the big stage. Here are their three keys to beating Irvine.