Nevada forces 28 Turnovers, Frustrate Oregon en route to 77-73 win

Looking for their first win of the season, the Ducks hosted the Nevada Wolf Pack Sunday afternoon. Oregon looked to be in control early but gave up the lead in the first half, Nevada pounding the paint getting 46 in the key and converted 28 Oregon turnovers into 28 points. Chanelle Brennan had 24 points and 9 rebounds to pace the Pack and Danika Sharp chipped in 16 as the Wolf Pack held on late to get the victory. For the Ducks, they were lead by a strong effort inside from Jillian Alleyne who scored 19 points and grabbed 18 boards for her second double double of the year. Danielle Love continued to play well getting a career high 21 points also as 4 Ducks were in double figures for the second time this season.

The Ducks got out to a fast start, off the tip Danielle Love hitting a 3 and then a lay up to give the Ducks an early cushion. They would maintain a lead until the 3:43 mark of the first half on the backs of Love and Allyene who had 9 and 14 respectively in the first half. After the Ducks took a 22-14 lead Nevada rattled off 10 straight to take the lead at 33-32. The Ducks missed several open looks from beyond the arc though going just 1-10 after the first make by Love. The Wolf Pack didn’t shoot it from distance particularly well either going just 1-12. Nevada lead Oregon by a single point at the break as the Duck defense clamped down and did not allow a shot to go into the break, down 40-39.

The second half stayed a tight affair with neither team leading by more than 6 at any time. The second half featured 14 lead changes and 3 ties. Oregon lead for the last time when Chynna Miley hit a three pointer to put the Ducks ahead 72-71. Their next 4 possessions would all be turnovers as Nevada pulled away to win the game 77-73. The Ducks shot the ball at just under 40% on the game and their shooting kept them in it but turnovers really did them in down the stretch.

"An obvious issue is we committed 28 turnovers…hard to win when you turn the ball over 28 times." Coach Westhead said after the game. "I think late in the game sometimes it’s inexperience." Junior guard Ariel Thomas after her first appearance since her injury described the locker room as "up beat and positive." She went on to say "No one’s hanging their head down. I think we understand that we have a lot to work on, but we’re continuing to work." The Ducks now will go on the road to face Illinois, still looking for their first win on the year. The Ducks continue to have a short rotation due to injury and hope to be able to capture a win despite that. Thomas’ closing thoughts may bode well for the team "We’re not giving up…at all."

Coach Paul Westhead Post game Press Conference 12/9/12 (via Jake Tabor)

Danielle Love Ariel Thomas Post Game Press Conference (via Jake Tabor)