16. Oregon (16-4)
We’re looking at this Oregon team a little differently than we were a month or two ago, though it’s impossible to disregard this program’s hot start. A nonconference slate included wins over Alabama and Texas A&M but more recent action has been less convincing for the Ducks. Dana Altman’s squad is still adjusting to life in the Big Ten and these long road trips, though they have won four road games prior to this week.
They were comfortably at home on Tuesday night, settling for an 82-71 win over Washington. TJ Bamba had 21 points while Brandon Angel had 15 points in a solid all-around performance over a disappointing Huskies team. The disappointment was on the other end over the weekend, as the Ducks fell 77-69 at Minnesota. Another long trip didn’t go Oregon’s way as the Golden Gophers shot well, winning despite an 18-point, 5-rebound effort from Angel.
Oregon was in great shape with their perfect run through nonconference play, though some of these losses in their new conference are certainly raising questions. That trip to Minneapolis was their first road loss of the season but it won’t be the last, especially with the defense taking a slight step back in recent weeks. As if things weren’t hard enough, the Ducks will be at UCLA next week and have a trip to the two Michigan schools coming up shortly thereafter.