The Oregon Ducks played a thrilling game against Michigan, one of the top-ranked teams in the country. Oregon dealt with foul trouble and left 14 points at the free-throw line, but still managed to hang with Michigan until the end of the second overtime period.
Oregon had a chance to win the game, too. The Ducks took a lead for the first time since a 1-0 start late in the first overtime. With about 45 seconds left, Oregon took a 76-73 lead, but lost it quickly. First, they sent Ashley Sofilkanich to the free-throw line, giving up one point. Then, Katie Fiso missed a jumper on the other end, Michigan got the rebound, and Olivia Olson got a layup out of a high pick-and-roll to tie the game. Oregon had enough time for another play. They got the ball in the game, but never got off a shot in the last 4.3 seconds. Oregon ended up losing the game 92-87 after a second overtime.
In his postgame media availability head coach Kelly Graves took the blame for that missed opportunity. “We had our chances down the stretch,” Graves said. “I 100% take that possession of the first overtime. That was, we tried to just do something that we hadn’t practiced, and we didn’t execute it very well obviously, and to not get a shot in that instance, 100% on me.”
Oregon put up a good fight
Michigan entered the game as the sixth-ranked team in the country. Oregon, meanwhile, isn’t in the top 25. Nevertheless, the Ducks put up a strong fight, battling back from a sizeable deficit. They capitalized on Michigan’s turnovers, got 29 fast break points, and got big contributions from several players to keep up with Michigan stars Syla Swords, Olivia Olsen, and Ashley Sofilkanich.
Starters Katie Fiso and Mia Jacobs led the way with 24 and 16 points, respectively, and Ehis Etute pitched in 12 points and 7 rebounds in a strong performance off the bench. Missed free throws, allowing Michigan to get 28 offensive rebounds, and fouls hurt Oregon. Five players finished the game with five fouls, including four starters and the leading scorer off the bench.
Nevertheless, hanging with one of the top teams in the country was quite the accomplishment. After the game, Graves said, “What we did learn, though, is we’re a pretty good team. We can play with anybody. That’s a really good basketball team, and we take them to double overtime.”
In January, Oregon will have to face a bunch of ranked teams—USC, Michigan State, Iowa, and Maryland—and will get a few chances to prove that this game wasn’t just a fluke.