Oregon Women’s Basketball: A Heart-Pounding Game Against Michigan
EUGENE, Ore. – The Oregon women’s basketball team found themselves in a tough spot, trailing by 18 points against the sixth-ranked Michigan Wolverines. With the odds stacked against them, it looked grim. But instead of giving up, the Ducks rallied, pushing the game into double overtime before narrowly losing 92-87 in their home opener.
“I’m really proud of how the team fought back,” said head coach Kelly Graves. “After a tough start, we showed we can compete with anyone.”
Sophomore point guard Katie Fiso was a standout, scoring 22 of her game-high 24 points in the second half. Ehis Etute added 12 points and seven rebounds, while Mia Jacobs contributed 16 points and Ari Long added 14.
In the final minutes of regulation, the Ducks surged back with a 9-2 run, tying the game at 69 after Etute drove the length of the court for a layup. In the first overtime, Oregon led briefly but could not hold on, with Michigan tying it again in the final seconds.
The crowd at Matthew Knight Arena was electric, pushing the Ducks as they fought hard for the win. Michigan, however, dominated the boards, grabbing 60 rebounds to Oregon’s 34 and capitalizing on second-chance points.
Michigan started strong, hitting their first three field goals to lead 7-1. They kept the momentum, ending the first quarter ahead 21-10. By halftime, the Ducks were down 44-28. Oregon struggled early, connecting on only nine shots compared to Michigan’s 19.
The second half saw a transformation for Oregon. They opened with an 11-2 run, led by Fiso, which cut the deficit significantly. That momentum escalated as they outscored Michigan in the third quarter.
Resilience was key, as the Ducks continued to claw back. They found their rhythm and stayed relentless, forcing the game into overtime after battling through a tough fourth quarter.
Despite their loss, this game highlighted the potential of the Oregon team. Graves noted that this was the first double-overtime game at home since 2018, showcasing a thrilling moment in the season.
This match reaffirms the importance of teamwork and determination. Oregon’s ability to rebound and push back under pressure serves as a reminder that anything can happen in sports.
Next up, the Ducks face Northwestern on New Year’s Day. The team is eager to build on their hard-fought experience against Michigan and keep fighting through the rest of the season.
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