Oregon Basketball: Takeaways from a dominant win over Utah

Payton Pritchard continued to show everyone why he is one of the premier point guards in the country

Senior point guard Payton Pritchard had himself a night against Utah, but that isn’t a new thing. Dana Altman’s go-to-guy has shown up time and time again for his season. Per game, he is currently averaging 19.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 5.8 assists on 46.3% FG and 39.5% 3PT. These are all career-highs. Pritchard is exactly the type of dynamic play-maker the Ducks will need for any hope of an NCAA Tournament run.

Part of what makes him such a great facilitator is his excellent shooting ability as he displayed Sunday night. After hitting successive three-pointers in the first half, Utah had no choice but to stretch their defense out towards Pritchard, leaving his teammates open for shots on the wing or inside.

The major steps Payton Pritchard has taken in his senior season are also evident in Oregon’s offensive ratings. The Ducks currently rank 15th in the NCAA in Offensive Efficiency while scoring on 50.1% of their offensive possessions. Additionally, they are the nation’s 11th best squad in 3PT%, converting 38.6% of their shots from behind the arc. Oregon’s senior leader is shooting 39.5% from three while averaging a team-high 36.5 minutes per game. Pritchard, a Bob Cousy Award Finalist, will need to continue his dominance for Oregon Basketball as they move into tournament season.