Ducks Escape With Victory

February 16, 2013, 6:17 pm

After trailing by much as eighteen in the first half, Oregon claws back into the game and defeats Washington State 79-77 in overtime to take sole possession of the Pac-12 lead.

The first half was similar to the first time these two teams met back in January at Matthew Knight Arena. The Ducks found themselves down by 10 in that game, where tonight they trailed by 11 after the first twenty minutes.

Royce Woolridge was the driving force for the Cougars in the opening half, scoring 22 points. He'd finish the game with 34.

The baskets began to fall for Oregon in the second, quickly cutting Washington State's lead to three less than four minutes into the half.

The Ducks would eventually reclaim the lead late in the half, and with 29 seconds left in the game, they held a 71-66 advantage.

Brock Motum made 2/3 free throws to cut it to a three point lead, and then Jonathan Loyd missed a pair on the ensuing possession to give the Cougars a chance to tie up the game with 18 seconds left.

DaVonte Lacy would connect for three with only nine seconds remaining to tie the game at 71 apiece.  Damyean Dotson would miss a jumper on the other end for Oregon and the game was headed for overtime.

Like the end of regulation, Oregon held a three point lead with Washington State having a final chance to tie it. And again, the Cougars would hit it. This time it was Woolridge hitting the trey ball to tie it at 77-77.

However, EJ Singler was intentionally fouled by Dexter Kernich-Drew on the ensuing play, a mental lapse that would cost Washington State the game and send Singler to the line for two shots with only four seconds remaining. E.J would hit both shots and the Cougars were unable to get off a final desperation shot.

The Ducks improved to 21-5, and a leage-leading 10-3 in Pac-12 play.

It was the first time Oregon sweeped the Washington schools since 1989-90.

Tony Woods was ejected from the game in the first half after throwing an intentional elbow at Motum. 

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