LATINA, Italy — Freshman Jabari Brown scored 18 points and grabbed six rebounds as the Oregon men’s basketball team defeated Latina Basket, 71-54, to win the first game of its five-game exhibition tour of Italy on Wednesday.
Transfer center Tony Woods added 12 points and blocked five shots, and transfer forward Olu Ashaolu scored eight points and had seven rebounds, while another Oregon newcomer, Carlos Emory, had eight rebounds as the Ducks, who shot 45 percent overall, grabbed 48 rebounds and had 10 steals. They also had 29 turnovers.
I can't speculate as to the competition level provided by Latina Basket. The raw numbers from Brown, Woods, and Ashaolu look very promising, as does the shooting percentage (a welcome sight after last season). 29 turnovers never looks good, though perhaps its not surprising with as many newcomers are in this group.
The Ducks return to action Friday against Scafati.