Coming off a double overtime loss to No. 12 Oregon State, UCLA faces its last challenge of the season in conference rival No. 8 Oregon. Oregon poses a major challenge to UCLA as the Ducks gone 7-1 in the past eight games, leading the Pac-12 with an conference record of 13-2. This game will have major implications on the conference but could also help determine UCLA’s NCAA Tournament seeding.

Oregon is led by sophomore guard Sabrina Ionescu who has averaged 19.3 points per game while shooting 44.7% from outside the arc and leading the team in assists. Sophomore forward Ruthy Hebard has also been dominant lately, and has averaged 28.7 points and 11.0 rebounds per game over the last three games. Also notable is guard Maite Cazorla who has been averaging 5.1 assists per game while scoring 10.4 per game.

Oregon is a dynamic offensive team, an intense combination of size and range. Oregon can outrebound almost every team in the country, can push the pace, and has the shooting skill (39.4% from the three point line) to play slow. Offensively, this is a tough matchup for UCLA.

Oregon doesn’t necessary have a huge chink in its armor but it could be said that they struggle with the little things. They aren’t particularly aggressive on the offensive boards, they commit too many turnovers, and their defense is generally more average than elite. If UCLA wins they’ll win by committing fewer errors, having a positive turnover differential, and exposing the holes in Oregon’s defense.

This is your UCLA Bruins at Oregon Ducks women’s basketball open thread.


Go Bruins!