Oregon's basketball team once again showed its resilience and determination, managing to secure an exciting 82-81 victory over Penn State on Sunday afternoon at the Bryce Jordan Center. With a fast start and a late-game surge, the No. 15 Ducks rallied to clinch their seventh Quadrant 1 win of the season, a crucial achievement as they battle for a strong position heading into the 2024 NCAA Tournament.
Oregon, known for its occasional slow starts and needing to dig deep for victories, turned things around late in the game to edge past Penn State. The Ducks built an impressive 14-point lead in the first half, but, true to form, the game became a nail-biter as they fought back after Penn State erased the deficit and built its own lead in the second half. With just 47 seconds left, Jackson Shelstad stepped up, hitting a clutch jumper to give Oregon the lead, and he finished the game with 17 points and eight assists, leading six Ducks in double figures.
“We made it a little harder on ourselves,” said assistant coach Kevin McKenna on postgame radio. “We didn’t guard the ball very well. They get a lot of offensive rebound putbacks. The zone kind of froze us a little bit. We got to looking at it, staring at it instead of moving the ball and cutting. We finally figured out some things and went into some good sets and got some good shots. Keeshawn got a couple of shots down, and our press helped us a little bit.”
Despite the challenges, the Ducks managed to outlast the Nittany Lions, who had their own impressive performance from Freddie Dilione V and Nick Kern. Dilione scored a game-high 21 points, while Kern contributed 19 points, eight rebounds, and four assists. However, Penn State’s late-game push wasn’t enough to stop Oregon from making its mark.
Penn State managed to overcome a 41-27 deficit, surging ahead with a 69-61 lead with 5:41 remaining in the game. But Oregon wasn’t about to back down. They closed the game with a flurry, hitting 8 of their final 10 shots from the field, with sophomore forward Jadrian Tracey stepping up in a big way. Tracey scored 10 of his 13 points in the final stretch, including two free throws with 18.1 seconds left to put Oregon ahead 82-78. The final moments were filled with drama as Penn State’s Zach Hicks drained a three-pointer with just 2 seconds left to bring the Nittany Lions within a single point. However, Oregon held firm, successfully inbounding the ball and sealing the win as time expired.
“We got a road sweep, and that’s really what matters, especially in conference play,” said guard Keeshawn Barthelemy after the game. “I feel like we dropped two at home in conference play, and we had to get those back on the road, and we did. We really have a gritty group, man; we never stopped fighting, and that was a good win today.”
In addition to Shelstad and Tracey, several other Ducks players contributed in a big way. Barthelemy finished with 15 points, while TJ Bamba and Kwame Evans Jr. each added 10 points. This marked the first time in nearly two years that Oregon had six players score in double figures in a game—an impressive feat and a sign of the Ducks' balanced offensive attack. The last time this happened was back on January 13, 2022, at UCLA, when Jacob Young, Will Richardson, N’Faly Dante, Quincy Guerrier, De’Vion Harmon, and Eric Williams Jr. each reached double digits.
“I think that’s a strength of our team, is our balance,” McKenna added. “We don’t really have a Joe Young or a Dante that you mark down 18-20 every night, but we got a lot of guys that can do a lot of damage. We shared the ball; I think we had 22 assists on 31 buckets.”
This victory is especially significant as it marks Oregon’s seventh Quadrant 1 win of the season, a record that ties them with Auburn for the national lead. Quadrant 1 wins are crucial for NCAA Tournament seeding, and no team with at least seven Q1 wins has ever missed the tournament. With an overall record of 15-2 and a 4-2 mark in Big Ten play, Oregon has positioned itself as a strong contender for a deep run in March.
Looking ahead, Oregon will need to continue this level of play, especially with the stakes getting higher in conference competition. The Ducks’ balance and depth will be key factors as they look to stay on track and build momentum as the season progresses. With players like Shelstad, Barthelemy, and Tracey stepping up when it matters most, Oregon has proven it can handle pressure and close out tight games.
As McKenna mentioned, the Ducks' ability to share the ball and trust one another on offense is a major strength. Their 22 assists on 31 field goals in this game show the unselfishness and team-first mentality that will be vital in their quest for postseason success. It's not just about having star players who can score 20 points a night; it's about a collective effort where everyone contributes.
For Oregon, this win over Penn State is not just about the victory itself but also about showing the kind of grit and determination that will define their season. In a tight game on the road, with their backs against the wall, the Ducks came together, executed in crucial moments, and emerged victorious. With a strong balance on both sides of the ball and key players rising to the occasion, Oregon is proving to be a team to watch as the season progresses.
In conclusion, this thrilling 82-81 win over Penn State showcased Oregon's ability to fight through adversity, trust in their depth, and execute when it matters most. The Ducks continue to build a strong resume for the NCAA Tournament with their impressive seven Quadrant 1 victories, and as they keep their eyes on March, this game will be remembered as a key moment in their pursuit of greatness. With their balanced roster, exciting young talent, and unwavering resolve, Oregon has the makings of a team that could make some serious noise in the postseason.
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