Oregon 93, Oregon State 83: Ducks use big run early, withstand Beaver charge late

The Ducks have been reeling to this point in the season, falling short in several close games and with Oregon State making a late push, the scene was set for another collapse. However, the Ducks would respond to the challenge and pull away down the stretch with a 93-83 win against the Beavers.

"It was an important game for us, kinda get back on track. We've been so close, it was important for us to bounce back and start this little run."

Joseph Young led the way with 25 points as 5 Ducks found their way into double figures while shooting 53% from the field. Roberto Nelson had 18 for the Beavers.

93 points marked the most points scored in a Civil War by Oregon in 19 years and was the most points the Ducks have scored in Pac-12 play this season.

Oregon opened up a lead in the first half, much in part to a 20-2 run to take a one point game and open up a 19 point lead. Oregon was hot from the field early on as they converted on their first 7 three pointers.

In the run, Oregon's defense limited the Beavers to only one basket over a course of nearly 7 minutes as the lead ballooned to 31-12.

Oregon State would chip away at the lead throughout the course of the game, eventually drawing within two points at 72-70. Oregon would respond to the late push with a 12-3 run to put the game on ice and earn a season split with the Beavers.

When asked if it was nice to get a measure of revenge against their in state rivals, Mike Moser had a simple answer, "Definitely."

Dana Altman was more forthcoming when talking about the rivalry, "It doesn't matter who you're playing but knowing it means more to a lot of our people does add some significance. The bottom line is this is a university for our students and our alumni and if it means more to them, it's got to mean more to us."

Unlike their first meeting in Corvallis, Oregon led for 38 minutes not trailing after Johnathan Loyd hit a jumper to give the Ducks a lead at 5-4. Their hot shooting to start the game was able to sustain the Ducks throughout as they needed all of their lead to keep OSU from overcoming the deficit.

Oregon plays next on Wednesday when the Huskies come to town. Oregon will again be looking for a split against Washington as they played close but ultimately fell in Seattle by a score of 80-76.

Notes from the Box

• OSU had a smaller than expected contingent in the crowd today, especially when compared to last season
• Eric Moreland was the "boo a player" selection this game and a lot of it likely had to do with his T last season
• Waverly Austin has only made 3 baskets in Pac-12 play.  2 of them came today
• Pit Crew chants included "SAT" when Roberto Nelson shot free throws, as well as "Little Brother" and "Just like football"
• Attendance was over 10,000 for the first time with me in the box this season