EUGENE, OREGON

DUCKS 84 - HUSKIES 71

The Oregon Ducks (12-1, 1-0) defeated the Washington Huskies (7-7, 0-2) by a score of 84 to 71. Contrary to the 13-point difference in score, this was a much closer game than anyone predicted it would be, especially considering Washington was coming off a loss to their other rival, the Washington State Cougars.

After building a 23-6 lead in the first quarter, the Ducks allowed the huskies to score 18 unanswered points and take the lead. Erin Boley had an amazing first quarter, scoring 19 of Oregon’s first 23 points, but failed to score in the second.

Boley was especially hot from three-point range, connecting on five triples in the opening half (finishing with eight total), but Washington’s Alexis Griggsby had the game of her life, matching Boley’s accuracy stride for stride by hitting five three-pointers of her own in the first half. Griggsby’s previous career high was 12 points and came into this game averaging two points a game, but against the Ducks she managed to rack up 21 points in the first half and 26 on the night.

Oregon, on the other hand, had an uncharacteristically poor night of shooting: 42% from the floor, 38% from three-point range, and 67% free throw shooting. The Ducks’ bench scored a combined zero points and Maite Cazorla didn’t score until the second half. Ionescu took on a much more supportive role than we’re used to seeing, but had some clutch moments as well.

Ruthy Hebard specifically performed well below her average, connecting on only 4-of-12 from the floor. That being said, the junior still finished with a double-double, collecting 11 points and 11 rebounds before the conclusion of this highly competitive game.

In the third quarter, the Ducks found their offensive rhythm once again and went on a 17-0 run. Still, through solid defense, the Huskies fought their way back to a one-point game, 66-65, with 6:23 left in the fourth.

Thankfully, Oregon was abe to outscore Washington 18 to 6 in the final six and a half minutes through solid free throw shooting and a series of unforced Huskie turnovers. In the end, the Ducks earned their first win of PAC-12 play while beating a hated rival.

OREGON DUCKS

*Erin Boley (36 min) 28 PTS - 3 REB - 10/14 FG - 8/12 3PT

*Sabrina Ionescu (38 min) 20 PTS - 4 REB - 10 AST - 7/20 FG - 2/10 3PT - 4/4 FT

*Satou Sabally (37 min) 19 PTS - 12 REB - 1 AST - 2 BLK - 4 STL - 7/15 FG - 2/7 3PT - 3/5 FT

*Ruthy Hebard (34 min) 11 PTS 11 REB - 1 AST - 3 BLK - 4/12 FG - 3/6 FT

*Maite Cazorla (38 min) 6 PTS - 3 REB - 6 AST - 2/8 FG - 2/7 3PT

Taylor Chavez (8 min) 2 AST - 1 BLK - 0/2 FG - 0/1 3PT

Oti Gildon (5 min) 1 REB

Lydia Giomi (4 min) 1 REB

WASHINGTON’S STARTERS

*Alexis Griggsby (33 min) 26 PTS - 2 REB - 1 STL - 10/16 FG - 6/11 3PT

*Amber Melgoza (37 min) 23 PTS -3 REB -4 AST - 1 BLK - 2 STL -10/23 FG -0/4 3PT - 3/3FT

*Darcy Rees (24 min) 8 PTS - 4 REB - 3 AST - 1 BLK - 4/6 FG - 0/1 3PT

*Jenna Moser (27 min) 6 PTS - 1 REB - 1 AST - 3/5 FG

*Missy Peterson (13 min) 3 REB - 3 AST - 0/2 FG - 0/1 3PT

NEXT UP: WASHINGTON STATE

1/6, Sunday, 3 PM. PAC-12 NETWORK, Eugene