Live out west and have watched a lot of PAC 12 basketball this year. Was hoping VCU would beat Oregon as I believe the Ducks present more challenging matchup problems. Here is a brief report on the Ducks.
They've had some roster shakeup this year that messed with their identity early in the year. However by midseason and after Richardson got back they seemed to settle into who they are on offense and defense. They lack a consistent PG but aren't short on ball handlers. They don't turn it over a ton.
Don't be fooled by their low assist numbers. They don't feed the post and a lot their assists come off feeding the outside shot. Pretty much all of their starters can hit the 3 ball. Once they get going they can be tough to stop from 3.
They lack a good post game but make up for it with a solid to great 3pt and dribble drive game.
3rd team All-American Chris Duarte at 6'6" is a load to handle but 6'6" Eugene Omoruyi is the one to watch. He can score anywhere on the court. He mainly draws post matchups. If Fran puts Garza on him Garza could be exposed and he could pick up fouls. This also could force Iowa to the dreaded zone D to help Garza as well as the point of attack.
Oregon's D has been solid the 2nd half of the season. They can have off nights. Even with the lack of size they have proven capable of defending the post. However when they focus on it they can tend to provide open looks at 3. I saw their game against USC and while they controlled Mobley they forgot to guard one of USC's only good 3pt shooters.
I think Oregon's game plan will be to take away Iowa's shooters and give Garza space in the post. When Iowa's on D they will try to create mismatches to open up their shooters and will also drive at Garza. They will try to knock Garza out of the game with foul trouble.
The key for Iowa will be to keep Garza out of foul trouble and keep him from getting exposed on D. They need to close out the 3 ball. Force Oregon to shoot two's, even give them space inside. Just don't let them spread you out. On offense Iowa needs to pound the post. Also cleanup offensive boards. It will force Oregon to collapse in the post. Once they do that they have a hard time defending the 3 ball.
I think Iowa wins by 10. I think they maintain a lead most of the game. Oregon 3 balls keep Iowa from extending leads. In the end Iowa ices the game at the FT line.
They've had some roster shakeup this year that messed with their identity early in the year. However by midseason and after Richardson got back they seemed to settle into who they are on offense and defense. They lack a consistent PG but aren't short on ball handlers. They don't turn it over a ton.
Don't be fooled by their low assist numbers. They don't feed the post and a lot their assists come off feeding the outside shot. Pretty much all of their starters can hit the 3 ball. Once they get going they can be tough to stop from 3.
They lack a good post game but make up for it with a solid to great 3pt and dribble drive game.
3rd team All-American Chris Duarte at 6'6" is a load to handle but 6'6" Eugene Omoruyi is the one to watch. He can score anywhere on the court. He mainly draws post matchups. If Fran puts Garza on him Garza could be exposed and he could pick up fouls. This also could force Iowa to the dreaded zone D to help Garza as well as the point of attack.
Oregon's D has been solid the 2nd half of the season. They can have off nights. Even with the lack of size they have proven capable of defending the post. However when they focus on it they can tend to provide open looks at 3. I saw their game against USC and while they controlled Mobley they forgot to guard one of USC's only good 3pt shooters.
I think Oregon's game plan will be to take away Iowa's shooters and give Garza space in the post. When Iowa's on D they will try to create mismatches to open up their shooters and will also drive at Garza. They will try to knock Garza out of the game with foul trouble.
The key for Iowa will be to keep Garza out of foul trouble and keep him from getting exposed on D. They need to close out the 3 ball. Force Oregon to shoot two's, even give them space inside. Just don't let them spread you out. On offense Iowa needs to pound the post. Also cleanup offensive boards. It will force Oregon to collapse in the post. Once they do that they have a hard time defending the 3 ball.
I think Iowa wins by 10. I think they maintain a lead most of the game. Oregon 3 balls keep Iowa from extending leads. In the end Iowa ices the game at the FT line.
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