No. 12 Oregon bounces back with decisive victory over Stephen F. Austin

In a significant matchup, the University of Oregon's basketball team, ranked No. 12 in the nation, faced off against Stephen F. Austin on December 15, 2024. The game took place in Eugene, Oregon, and Oregon aimed to recover from their first loss of the season, a setback they experienced against UCLA a week earlier. The Ducks started strong, building a commanding lead thanks to their defense, which limited Stephen F. Austin's shooting opportunities and allowed them to establish an early 18-4 advantage. This defensive prowess set the tone for the rest of the game. Brandon Angel, a notable player for Oregon, contributed significantly with 15 points and six rebounds, showcasing a solid performance as he made 4 of 5 field goals and successfully hit 6 of 7 free throws. The game also saw strong contributions from teammates Supreme Cook and Jadrian Tracey, who both scored 14 points, while Nate Bittle added 13 points despite fouling out in the second half. Oregon’s offensive depth was highlighted by their bench, which provided a remarkable 44 points compared to only 13 from the Lumberjacks' bench players. Conversely, the Lumberjacks struggled throughout the game, especially at the beginning, where they were 2 of 13 from the field and committed six turnovers during the first ten minutes. Matt Hayman led Stephen F. Austin with 17 points, but the team faced challenges in closing the gap, coming no closer than a 12-point deficit during the second half. The game highlighted the disparities in team performance as Oregon's shooting percentage and defensive strategy overpowered the Lumberjacks. Looking ahead, Oregon has two remaining nonconference games, including a significant matchup against former Pac-12 rival Stanford. In contrast, Stephen F. Austin is set to host Texas Wesleyan before continuing their journey in the Southland Conference with the hope of improving from their current 0-2 conference record. The decisive win for the Ducks not only boosted their confidence but reaffirmed their status as a contender in the NCAA landscape, while the Lumberjacks will need to regroup as they continue their challenging season.