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Dana Altman knew Oregon was going to battle against Valparaiso Sunday. The Ducks had key steals down the stretch and relied on Dillon Brooks and Tyler Dorsey who combined for 47 points. Oregon had three less turnovers than Valparaiso and it helped the Ducks secure the win.
Turnovers plagued both teams early on and neither team could find a flow offensively. Oregon started 2 for 11 shooting and had trouble making plays in the post. Valparaiso got into early foul trouble and it allowed Oregon to get on a run. Dwayne Benjamin made an athletic steal that led to an Oregon three-point play. The Crusaders called a timeout to stop the momentum right after the play trailing 11-6.
WATCH: Benjamin with the steal, Dorsey with the assist and Small with the and-one finish. Tune into Pac-12 Network! https://t.co/bObvS8kjz8
— Oregon Basketball (@OregonMBB) November 22, 2015
A key play in first half occurred when Tyler Dorsey drove to the basket and got fouled by the Crusaders starting center. The foul gave Vashil Fernandez his third and the free throws gave Oregon an eight point lead. Dorsey finished the day with 21 points.
Valparaiso continued to cause problems for Oregon's offense and used their defense to chip away at the lead. On the last play of the first half Tevonn Walker banked in a three-pointer that gave the Crusaders a 35-33 lead going into the half.
Dillon Brooks heated up in the second half and scored the first eight points for Oregon. The biggest contribution from Brooks was his ability to rebound. He finished with a game high 13 rebounds, a new season high for Brooks. This was the third time Brooks recorded a double-double in his career.
Oregon's defense started to create turnovers late in the game. The increased defensive intensity created easy shots through fast break opportunities.
WATCH: Brooks with the steal and slam! He's got 24 to lead the Ducks. Get to Pac-12 Network! #GoDucks https://t.co/v0lhV0hTnN
— Oregon Basketball (@OregonMBB) November 23, 2015
Oregon will play Arkansas State on Wednesday at 4 p.m. on the Pac-12 Networks.