ASU Basketball: 2019 Pac-12 Week 19 Power Rankings
By Trevor Booth
6. Oregon Ducks (19-12, 10-8 Pac-12) LW: 7
You’d think that after losing Bol Bol, playing without Louis King for six games and falling to 10th in the Pac-12 standings, Oregon would find a way to lie down.
But with Dana Altman at the helm, there is no such thing as ‘quit’ in Eugene. Winners of four straight, the Ducks are now arguably the hottest team entering the conference tournament.
In those four games, Oregon has executed in every facet, but none more than the defensive end. They held opponents to 51.5 points per game, 34.7 percent from the field and 23 percent from 3-point range.
Although the effort is wholesome, King, Pritchard and All-Pac-12 Defensive Team honoree Kenny Wooten have led the charge. The former duo combined for 19 steals in the contests while Wooten controlled the paint with seven blocked shots.
Offensively, that has created opportunities in the open floor, where Pritchard shined with 17 total assists.
For the Ducks, the key to this week’s tournament will be that defensive output. They are 11-1 when allowing under 60 points this season, and in their last four games, their opponents didn’t surpass 61 points.
In order to do so, Oregon must control half-court contests, using a majority of the shot clock and limiting transition opportunities. If they turn the ball over, that could revoke their chances.
The Ducks have the third-highest odds to win the tournament, according to TeamRankings.com. Originally tabbed the preseason league favorite, they have a renewed chance to assert their expectations.
Oregon will tip off their Pac-12 Tournament run tonight against Washington State. If they advance, they’ll face Utah on Thursday.
– Booth