Game Recap: No. 21 Oregon, Dillon Brooks Shock No. 2 UCLA, 89-87

EUGENE, Oregon — No. 21 Oregon shocked unbeaten UCLA, 89-87, from Matthew Knight Arena on Wednesday night. Dillon Brooks was the hero, as he drilled the game-winning 3-pointer with 0.8 seconds left in the game.

“We wanted to get him the last shot because he’s not afraid to take it,” said Oregon head coach Dana Altman. “He hit a tough one. He’s a competitor. He wanted that shot. We knew he was the guy to take it. I love the way he competes. He was special tonight.”

Brooks led the way with a game and season-high 23 points. With the monumental victory, Oregon extended their school record home win-streak to 34 straight games from MKA.

“It feels amazing. I wanted to get off on the right foot in the Pac-12. I just want to protect the home court,” Brooks said. “It felt good when it came off, felt great when it went in.”

The battle of the freshman was on the main stage Wednesday evening. Lonzo Ball soared to the rim with 23 seconds to give UCLA a four point lead, 87-83.

“The freshman has a lot of heart,” Brooks said. “We fought. UCLA is a great team. We’re fighters. We fight.”

Moments later, Oregon’s freshman star, Payton Pritchard, nailed a triple with 10 seconds left. The huge make cut the Duck deficit to one, 87-86.

“Stay with it,” said Altman. “They got two guys there that are possible lottery picks. We were just fortunate. Sometimes things work out. I just feel so good for the guys because they didn’t quit.”

Brooks played his best game of the season, even with moments of struggle. The preseason All-American secured nine boards, four dimes, and two steals during his showcase performance.

Ball entered the contest averaging 14.3 PPG, 8.7 APG, 5.9 RPG, and 1.6 SPG. He scored three points in the first half. Ball made just one of three attempts from the floor. Things would drastically change after halftime.

When UCLA started their 15-0 run in the second half, they were trailing by eight, 65-57. By the time their run ended, the Bruins were ahead by seven, 72-65.

The freshman of the year front-runner overwhelmed Oregon guards with three gigantic bombs from deep. His first 3-pointer cut the Duck lead to one, 65-64. His second triple gave UCLA their first lead since the early moments of the contest, 6-5. His third gave the Bruins their biggest lead of the night, 70-65.

Ball finished with 14 points, six assists, and three boards.

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Dillon Brooks, Payton Pritchard, Tyler Dorsey, Dylan Ennis, and Bell drew the start. Chris Boucher came off the bench after missing the last two games with an ankle injury.

All five starters scored in double figures. Brooks led the way with his game-high 23 points. But, Pritchard was the secondary story of the ballgame with 15 points on eight shots.

Pritchard battled Ball to end, and got the better of him with the victory.

Bell secured 13 points, alongside seven boards. He was crucial in the second half after a dismal first half.

Boucher scored nine points off the bench. He record seven rebounds, as well. Boucher made a solid impact off the bench after missing his last two games.

The Ducks struggled from the free throw line, missing five in the second half. Oregon made just 18 of 25 attempts from the charity stripe.

Oregon shot 44.8 percent from the field, compared to UCLA’s 53.1 percent. The Ducks were outshot from deep 44.0 to 36.7 percent.

The Ducks were cruising, 49-37, when Kavell Bigby-Williams drew an unnecessary Flagrant 1. The punishment enabled UCLA five points on their possession. The Bruins finished the first half on a 10-3 run, 52-47, following the nasty elbow from KBW.

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Brooks was tied for a game-high 12 points at halftime. The preseason All-American had three dimes, two boards, and a stolen pass, as well.

Thomas Welsh had 12 points for UCLA at the break.

It doesn’t get any easier for Oregon. Next up for the No. 21 Ducks (12-2) is No. 22 USC (13-0, 2-0 away) on Friday night from MKA. Tip is set for 7:00 p.m. PCT. It will be the ninth of nine consecutive home games for the Ducks. Oregon is currently 9-0 at MKA this season.

GAME HIGHLIGHTS

Dillon Brooks Game-Winning Shot

Payton Pritchard To Chris Boucher For The Dunk

A Rare 3-Pointer By Jordan Bell

Lonzo Ball From Downtown

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