LSU had a statistically elite defense this season. Raking 23rd in defensive efficiency, LSU did all the things that good defensive teams do. They caused turnovers. They held opposing teams to a very low field goal percentage. They controlled the tempo and slowed the game down. In their very last game, they held mighty Kentucky to 60 point.
So, of course, Oregon rolled up a season high 96 against them.
A return home had the Ducks looking a lot more like the team that swept the Mountain schools the last week of the season than the team that lost to Colorado in the Pac-12 tournament. The Ducks shots a blistering 58% from the field and 53% from three. And equally as important, their press completely controlled the game, both getting the tempo in Oregon's favor, and forcing 17 LSU turnovers. Offensively, Oregon attacked all game long. Whether on motion, kickouts from the post, or the drive and kick, the Ducks got open jump shots all night, and hit them at a blistering pace.
Five Ducks scored in double figures, led by Devoe Joseph's 25. Of particular note was Tony Woods' 14 points, showing an array of offensive moves. I really believe that he could be a major offensive threat next season (in fact, with a Woods/Emory/Singler starting frontcourt, it could end up being the best in the conference. Emory has the makings of a star). The Ducks started off slow, and LSU had the early 10-6 lead, but the Ducks woke up and responded with a 12-2 run and would never trail again. The lead would swell to 20. While LSU would ultimately cut it to 11 with about four minutes to go, Oregon responded with a 9-0 run to seal the deal.
The win earns Oregon a home game in the second round vs. Iowa Sunday at 2 PM.