Game Recap: No. 22 Oregon Disposes UNLV, 83-63

PORTLAND, Oregon — No. 22 Oregon ran away from UNLV, 83-63, in the second half from the Moda Center on Saturday night. Technically scheduled as a “home” game, nearly 110 miles from Eugene, the Ducks held advantage from the residence of the NBA’s Portland Trail Blazers.

An enthusiastic Duck contingent was treated to an easy victory from Rip City. It was Oregon’s eighth consecutive win, and 10th overall this year.

Dillon Brooks drew his first start of the 2016-17 season. The preseason All-American was relegated to bench duty after offseason foot surgery.

One star reentered the fold, while another exited. Chris Boucher sat out with an apparent ankle injury. The specifics of the injury have yet to be revealed. But, getting CB healthy for No. 2 UCLA next Wednesday is a top priority for the Ducks.

Boucher was seen in a precautionary walking boot on Saturday. He watched the game from the Oregon bench.

Godofredo Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Payton Pritchard, Tyler Dorsey, Dylan Ennis, and Jordan Bell drew the start alongside Brooks. Oregon head coach Dana Altman used a 10-man rotation following the loss of Boucher.

The game was close the first 20 minutes. The unranked Runnin’ Rebels trailed by just four points at halftime, 37-33. UNLV concluded the first half on a 4-0 run, after a slow start. It was the closest they would get to the No. 22 Ducks.

Oregon exploded out of the locker room. The Ducks opened the half on a 19-3 run. The offensive onslaught extended their lead to 56-36 midway through the second half.

Brooks entered the contest averaging 12.3 PPG off the bench this season. He tallied 20 points in his first start Saturday. The Canadian added four boards, four assists, and three steals. His averages are sure to grow with the added minutes.

The star of the game was Jordan Bell. The junior forward finished with 16 points and 12 rebounds for the double-double. He added three blocked shots, as well.

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Dorsey continues to set nets ablaze. The guard scored 18 points for the Ducks. He was eight of 13 from the field, continually exhibiting his range.

Ennis was solid, as usual. The do-it-all senior leader scored eight points, including six boards, five dimes, two steals, and a blocked shot.

Kavell Bigby-Williams led a dismal performance from the bench mob. He registered seven points, alongside three blocked shots and two boards.

Oregon won this game on the strength of their stars. The Ducks shot 53.3 percent, compared to UNLV’s 32.7 field goal percentage.

The Ducks were 32 of 60 from the floor (53%) and five of 17 from downtown (29.4%).

Next up for the No. 22 Ducks (10-2) is Fresno State (7-3, 2-2 away) on Tuesday from Matthew Knight Arena. Tip is set for 8:00 p.m. PCT. It will be the seventh of nine consecutive home games for the Ducks. Oregon is 7-0 at MKA in 2016.

GAME HIGHLIGHTS

Payton Pritchard Drills Triple

Jordan Ball Catches Alley-Oop

Dillon Brooks Hits 3-Pointer

Ducks Pull Away From UNLV

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