Oregon advances to Big Ten title game by focusing on the present
- Dylan Andrews secured a victory for UCLA with a last-second 3-pointer against Oregon.
- Oregon had led the game late with a previous 3-pointer from Jackson Shelstad.
- The loss was significant for the Ducks, marking their first defeat and impacting their rankings.
In a thrilling college basketball matchup on December 8, 2024, UCLA faced off against No. 12 Oregon, resulting in a closely contested game. The Ducks' loss marked their first defeat of the season, bringing their record to 9-1. Dylan Andrews was the star of the game, scoring the decisive 3-pointer with only 0.4 seconds remaining, allowing UCLA to snatch a 73-71 victory. Prior to Andrews' heroics, Oregon had taken the lead with less than ten seconds left after Jackson Shelstad hit a 3-pointer, making the score 71-70. UCLA was able to regroup quickly, with Andrews making a critical shot in a tense finale after a series of turnovers. UCLA's performance showcased their ability to come back, having previously won seven consecutive games since a lone loss in the season opener against New Mexico. As the game progressed, UCLA shot an impressive 52% from the three-point range, a significant improvement from their average of 32.5% prior to the match. The win not only solidified UCLA's position in the Big Ten standings at 2-0, pushing their overall record to 8-1, but also disrupted Oregon's momentum in the season. Oregon, who was previously undefeated, is expected to drop in the upcoming AP Top 25 rankings, however, they still remain positioned as a strong contender despite this setback. It was a notable game for both teams, setting the stage for upcoming matchups, especially with UCLA looking ahead to their next game against Arizona. The Ducks, while disappointed, plan to regroup for their upcoming game against Stephen F. Austin. Both teams are considered key players in their conference, and this game reflects the competitive nature of college basketball this season.