Open Thread: Oregon Ducks vs. Long Beach State 49ers

[UPDATE] Oregon won the game 86-74, a much needed victory as the Pac-10 schedule start with USC on Friday.

Time: 7:00 p.m. PST
Place: McArthur Court, Eugene, Oregon
Media: Comcast SportsNet Northwest, GoDucks.com (requires subscription)

The Oregon men's basketball team (5-6) wraps up its non-conference schedule tonight against Long Beach State (5-6) at Mac Court.  Tipoff is scheduled for approximately 7:00 p.m. PST, and the game will be televised on Comcast SportsNet NW.  The Ducks and 49ers have met only one other time, a blow-out 97-67 Oregon win in 2001.

The 49ers are led by senior guard Donovan Morris, whose 23 points helped lift Long Beach State past Temple on Dec. 22.  Morris was named the Big West Conference Player of the Week today for the third time this season.  Dan Monson, son of Don Monson, Oregon's head coach from 1983 to 1992, is in his second year as Long Beach State's head coach.

The Ducks are looking to finish a tough preseason slate at .500 and pick up their 701st win at historic Mac Court after picking up No. 700 in OT against Portland on Dec. 20.  Oregon is led by Tajuan Porter, who's averaging 14.9 points per game and currently ranks second in the Pac-10 (12th nationally) in free throw percentage (90.7 percent), despite an inconsistent non-conference performance.

GO DUCKS!