/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/53604621/usa_today_9855217.0.jpg)
LAS VEGAS, Nevada — The Pac-12 No. 1 seed Oregon Ducks will play No. 8 Arizona State on Thursday at noon PCT from T-Mobile Arena. After a thrilling win in overtime, 98-88, over Stanford, the Sun Devils are ready for a rematch with UO.
Arizona State head coach Bobby Hurley has been here before. His success may not be what it was as a player, but he understands the big moment. After their first contest in Eugene saw the Ducks squeak by ASU, 71-70, the head coach is relishing a neutral site opportunity.
If it wasn’t for Dillon Brooks, UO might have lost to the Sun Devils on that February night. The Pac-12 Player of the Year scored a team-high 27 points, including the final 12 Oregon points.
Shannon Evans led the way for ASU with a game-high 28 points on 10-for-16 from the field. Tra Holder had 17 points, including three dimes and two boards in defeat.
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/8121227/usa_today_9854711.jpg)
Regardless of opponent, one could assume that the then No. 13 Ducks were looking ahead to then No. 5 Arizona two days later. UO avoided the trap game and dismantled the Wildcats by 27 points, 85-58, from Eugene. That win helped secure the No. 1 seed in the Pac-12 Tournament.
Arizona State will have Oregon’s full attention this time around. On a neutral floor, anything is possible. Yet, the Ducks have their hands full with a desperate Sun Devil bunch looking for a NCAA Tournament birth.
No. 1 Oregon (27-4, 16-2 Pac-12) will test No. 8 Arizona State (15-17, 7-11 Pac-12) from the outset. Tip is set for noon PCT on Thursday afternoon from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Set your calendar.
Stay tuned to ATQ on Instagram @eugene_levys_eyebrows Twitter @TheQuackFiend