Oregon Basketball: 2019-20 keys for home victory against USC Trojans

LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY - MARCH 28: Head coach Dana Altman of the Oregon Ducks reacts against the Virginia Cavaliers during the second half of the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament South Regional at the KFC YUM! Center on March 28, 2019 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

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EUGENE, OREGON – JANUARY 11: Head coach Dana Altman of the Oregon Ducks(Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images) /

Key #1: Contend on the Glass

In each of Oregon’s four losses this season, they have been outrebounded by their opponent. It has been clear that their kryptonite has been teams that have talented bigs, such as North Carolina and Gonzaga, two teams that they lost to. USC presents a much similar challenge with their starting frontcourt that includes a potential lottery pick in Onyeka Okongwu. Onyeka (8.7 RPG) is paired with Senior Nick Rakocevic (8.7 RPG) who rebounds as well, if not better than him.

It’s clear that rebounding is the Ducks weakness (126th in RPG) so it will have to be a team effort to compete on the boards with the Trojans. To combat this issue I expect Dana Altman to give a lot more minutes to C.J Walker and N’Faly Dante. These two will not only provide more size than Juiston and Okoro but also more athletism.

Another way Altman could go about it is by providing more size at the wing with Addison Patterson. This would give up some shooting but could help both on the defensive end and with rebounding the ball. Patterson hasn’t seen much time in these last few games but could play a big part in this conference matchup.

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