Dominating Second Half Propels Oregon to Victory Over Rice – A Must-See Match Recap from University of Oregon Athletics

EUGENE, Ore. — Nate Bittle led the Oregon Ducks to a thrilling 67-63 win over Rice, scoring 25 points and blocking six shots. This victory came after the Ducks trailed by five points at halftime. The team turned things around in the second half, scoring 40 points.

Oregon struggled early, hitting only 26.7% of their shots and 20% from beyond the arc before making adjustments after halftime. The turning point was a 9-0 run that gave them their first lead since the start of the game.

Jackson Shelstad made a significant impact in his return from injury, contributing four assists and four rebounds despite a challenging shooting night. Coach Dana Altman highlighted Shelstad’s role in reducing turnovers, which helped stabilize the team against Rice’s aggressive defense.

Rice’s Trae Broadnax led his team with 12 points in the first half, helping them build an early lead. The Owls reached their largest advantage at 34-27 before Oregon came roaring back. Kwame Evans Jr. added a crucial three-pointer that stretched Oregon’s lead to 49-40.

Defensively, Oregon applied pressure and forced Rice into foul trouble, resulting in four players fouling out. While Oregon had a tough time at the free-throw line, Shelstad’s late free throws sealed the win.

Bittle’s performance was remarkable; his 25 points were the second-highest of his career, and his six blocks tied a personal best. The team overall showed resilience, making 26 of 38 free throws and capitalizing on Rice’s 29 fouls.

Looking ahead, Oregon will face South Dakota State next at home, and fans are eager to see how the team builds on this momentum. The Ducks’ ability to adapt and improve will be key as they continue their season.

In the context of their journey, this game is a reminder of how quickly things can change in sports. Last season, Oregon experienced ups and downs, but their determination to turn things around is evident. This resilience could be crucial as they navigate tougher opponents in the coming weeks.

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