The Oregon Ducks have been one of the most dominating teams this season. However, no game had more impact than them handing the fourth-ranked UConn Huskies their worst home loss in 15 years. Oregon defeated UConn 74-56.
Oregon set the tone early with a 10-0 run which forced an early timeout from UConn Head Coach Geno Auriemma.
Coach Auriemma coached in a No. 8 Lakers jersey in honor of the late Kobe Bryant.
In the second quarter, UConn made a run to cut the lead to single digits. Senior guard Crystal Dangerfield knocked down three triples and the defense began to rattle Oregon.
The Green and Yellow finished the quarter strong and took a 13-point lead into halftime.
In the third quarter, Oregon built the lead up to 21 but UConn cut it as close as 12 points with some sharp three-point shooting. Oregon finally settled down however and continued to feed the ball inside the paint. When their centers got touches inside, it set up their full offensive game.
Oregon’s zone defense rattled UConn all night long. Auriemma went to a zone to match it but the team was out of position and so was exploited.
Senior forward Ruthy Hebard was the star for Oregon as she totaled 22 points and 12 rebounds. Guard Sabrina Ionescu forced mismatches in the pick and roll and found Hebard in the post all night.
Ionescu finished with 10 points, nine rebounds and nine assists. She fell short of record her 23rd career triple double.
Oregon Head Coach Kelly Graves was pleased with her team’s performance. The Ducks gained an early lead and maintained it throughout the game. Every time UConn made a run, Oregon stayed poised and continued to stick to the game plan.
The win moves Oregon to 20-2. The loss moves UConn to 19-2.
Oregon will host the No. 12 ranked Arizona Wildcats Friday Feb. 7. Meanwhile, UConn will host the Memphis Tigers.