Oregon triumphs over San Diego State with key performances
- Oregon Ducks defeated San Diego State Aztecs 78-68 in Las Vegas.
- TJ Bamba and Keeshawn Barthelemy led the Ducks with 22 and 16 points respectively.
- Oregon moves forward to compete in the championship on Saturday.
In the United States, a college basketball game took place on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, during the Players Era Festival in Las Vegas, where the Oregon Ducks showcased their skills against the San Diego State Aztecs. Oregon emerged victorious with a score of 78-68, maintaining their undefeated record of 7-0 for the season. Star performance came from TJ Bamba, who contributed significantly by scoring 22 points, demonstrating his crucial role in the team's offense. Keeshawn Barthelemy also played a pivotal role, adding 16 points to help solidify the Ducks' lead. The game started competitively, with San Diego State initially taking the charge. However, midway through the first half, the Ducks orchestrated a strong 9-0 run, which started with Barthelemy’s jumper and was capped off by a three-pointer. This surge allowed Oregon to take control of the game at 34-27 just before halftime. Jackson Shelstad, another key player for the Ducks, added to the momentum by hitting a 3-pointer, leading to a 41-31 advantage at the break. This period showcased Oregon's ability to respond effectively under pressure and adjust their game play. As the second half progressed, San Diego State made attempts to rally back. They managed to reduce the deficit to just three points with a jump shot by BJ Davis, who was a standout player for the Aztecs, finishing with 18 points. Yet, Oregon responded swiftly with consecutive three-pointers from Brandon Angel, Bamba, and Barthelemy, extending their lead once more. By executing well-timed shooting and maintaining control of rebounds, which they won by 17 over the Aztecs, Oregon ensured they maintained a comfortable lead towards the end of the game. The final minutes saw the Aztecs unable to close the gap, and Oregon secured their win, advancing into the championship round of the festival, scheduled to happen on Saturday. Meanwhile, San Diego State will compete for third place based on this outcome. The Ducks' performance highlighted their ability to work cohesively as a team while showcasing individual talents.