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The Oregon Ducks started off the season with a 80-52 win over Jackson State. Tyler Dorsey led the way with 20 points, five rebounds and five assists.
The Ducks started off fast and went on an 11-5 run going into the first media timeout. Dorsey scored eight of his 18 first half points during that run. Dwayne Benjamin continued his sixth man role that he had a year ago, but the senior came off the bench in the first two minutes of the game.
Oregon's depth at the post was tested early. Chris Boucher recorded two blocks and two fouls in the first eight minutes and was forced to sit because of foul trouble. Trevor Manuel came in earlier than expected since Jordan Bell is sidelined because of an injury. The freshman post scored three points in the first half and gave Elgin Cook some time to rest. When Cook came back in he went on a run and displayed his improved midrange jump shot, scoring nine of his 11 points in the first half.
Dorsey continued to heat up during the first half and showed he can also hustle on the defensive side. He dove to keep a loose ball alive which resulted with a Benjamin dunk to finish the fast break.
Brooks with the no-look pass to Benjamin for the MONSTER JAM! Catch the action live now on Pac-12 Network. #GoDucks https://t.co/KtVnynT0we
— Oregon Basketball (@OregonMBB) November 14, 2015
Benjamin wasn't finished. The senior hit a shot that was beyond half court to give the Ducks a 46-30 halftime lead.
Benjamin beats the buzzer from DEEP to give Oregon a 46-30 lead heading into the half! Live on Pac-12 Network now. https://t.co/9FpemdpOWS
— Oregon Basketball (@OregonMBB) November 14, 2015
After intermission the Ducks opened up the second half with a 16-3 run. The run was too much for Jackson State to overcome. Oregon proved to be too athletic and continued to get to the rim without much resistance. Kendall Small showed what he could do in the second half. The point guard showed off his speed and got an easy bucket at the rim and got fouled driving on a following possession.
There was a scary moment late in the game when Casey Benson dove for a loose ball. Benson's head hit the floor when he dove and then a Jackson State player threw the ball off of Benson's head. The sophomore wasn't seriously injured and continued to play after the incident.
Dillon Brooks led the team with six rebounds and scored nine points. Benjamin pitched in 16 points and Boucher had five blocks to help anchor the defense.
Oregon will host No. 21 Baylor on Monday at 8:30 p.m. The game can be watched on ESPN2.