Every week during women’s basketball season, our sports staff will discuss different topics surrounding an upcoming game(s). Today, sports reporters Jonathan Hawthorne, Chris Keizur and Joseph Hoyt discuss Saturday’s matchup between Oregon and Utah and Monday’s game between the Ducks and Colorado.
1) How concerned should Oregon be by its 97-94 loss against Arizona State last week?
Hawthorne – Oregon doesn’t need to preoccupy itself. ASU is one of the best teams in the Pac-12 at 9-2 in conference play. The Ducks hung around with the Sun Devils and shot an impressive 46.4 percent from the field behind Chrishae Rowe’s 39 points. If anything, that game proved to the Ducks what can happen when Paul Westhead’s system is run efficiently. You can mark down ASU’s Feb. 28 return to Eugene as a good one.
Keizur – I think they should be annoyed more than anything. Coming off a three-game winning streak, it would have been nice to see the Ducks cap it off with a win against a top-25 team. This is an Oregon team that has reached a point in the season where every loss is gut-wrenching. So rather than be concerned, it would be nice to see the loss propel them into their upcoming four-game homestand.
Hoyt – Oregon should use its performance against the Sun Devils as a benchmark. Winning in Tempe is never easy, especially against the No. 15 team in the nation. With the reemergence of Lexi Petersen, and Ariel Thomas returning from injury, Oregon appears to be hitting its stride. It’ll be interesting to see how they fair against Colorado and Utah this weekend.
2) What does senior point guard Ariel Thomas’ return to the court mean for the Ducks?
Hawthorne – Thomas’ return is great news for the Ducks. She’s a vocal leader and provides Weathead with vital experience on this young Ducks team. Her ability to run the system efficiently and with ease will allow the Ducks to be even deeper on the bench.
Keizur – The main thing she brings to the court is a calming presence. This is a young Oregon team, so any senior leadership they can get is crucial. Thomas has been the number one distributor on this team, so look to see improved ball movement on the offensive end this week.
Hoyt – Without Thomas in the picture, Lexi Petersen stepped up and provided a spark for Oregon, helping them to a three-game winning streak. Back from injury, Thomas brings leadership to the court and a veteran presence at the point guard position. The combo of her, and Petersen, moving forward is the best possible lineup for head coach Paul Westhead.
3) What do the Ducks need to improve upon this week?
Hawthorne – The Ducks need to make sure that heading into this weekend, they are well-prepared to be resilient at home, like they were last weekend against the Washington schools. Even when Washington made a run at the Ducks, they were able to pull through and hold onto the win.
Keizur – Shooting percentage seems to be a constant struggle with this team. Some may point to the system in place as part of the problem, but the Ducks need to find a way to be more efficient with their shots. As a team, they are shooting a rather abysmal 38.7 percent from the field. If they can raise that percentage they should find themselves with a nice winning streak to end the season.
Hoyt – From behind the arc, Oregon’s been inconsistent. When the team shoots well, they win. Improving consistency, especially from three-point range, is crucial for Oregon against two mediocre visiting teams this weekend.
4) What will it take for Oregon to pick up wins against Utah and Colorado this weekend? Will the Ducks win both, split or lose both?
Hawthorne – If Oregon plays the same quality of basketball as it did at the Arizona schools last weekend, the Ducks will find themselves up 2-0 in this four game homestand. Oregon needs to remember the importance of wearing down the opponent and running the system for the entirety of the game.
Keizur – Oregon will need to look to keep pushing the ball at their breakneck tempo while maintaining some semblance of control. Turnovers have plagued this team and derailed plenty of potential wins, so if they limit those careless plays, they can be very dangerous. Don’t sleep on their home record, either. The Ducks are 10-2 in the friendly confines of Matthew Knight Arena this season. I expect two wins this weekend.
Hoyt – Oregon has struggled against taller opposition this year. Ruth Hamblin (Oregon State) posted a triple double against the Ducks last month, and Arizona State’s Joy Burke dominated the interior of Oregon’s defense this past weekend. Against Colorado and Utah, Oregon won’t have to worry about opposing height being an issue. Both teams don’t have a player that stands taller than 6-foot-4, which should be a welcome sight to the nation’s leading rebounder, Jillian Alleyne. The Ducks need to take at least one, and should take both against the visiting teams this weekend.
Follow Jonathan Hawthorne on Twitter @Jon_Hawthorne
Follow Chris Keizur on Twitter @chriskeizur
Follow Joseph Hoyt on Twitter @jhoyt42