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 Friday’s matchup between Oregon and Washington and Sunday’s game between the Ducks and Washington State.
1. What should we make of Oregon’s season after the two losses against the Southern California schools over the weekend?
Hawthorne — The Ducks still have much to play for. This last weekend was a definite setback for Oregon, but with upcoming weekend games against the Washington and Arizona schools, the Ducks still have the opportunity to prove that they’ve made great strides this season, improving upon their 4-27 season last year.
Keizur — There isn’t much to say, other than that Oregon was simply outplayed. Unfortunately, the results have pretty much severed any chance of this team making it to the postseason, barring an unlikely Pac-12 tournament run. While this team has been entertaining running head coach Paul Westhead’s system this season, one has to wonder whether a mix-up is required for this team to succeed. I fear we have witnessed the ceiling for this team.
Hoyt — Oregon had all the momentum and a shot at turning its season around for the good heading into last weekend. Following its 103-83 loss to UCLA this past Monday, the team echoed the fact that they missed a golden opportunity. With four games left in the regular season, the Ducks need to catch fire if they want any chance at making a run in the conference tournament.
2. What is going on with Chrishae Rowe? Is she just feeling frustrated as teams are adjusting to her or is the problem more pronounced?
Hawthorne — I think that the Pac-12 conference is beginning to adjust to the stellar freshman. Rowe’s still learning how to be an effective shooter in conference play and her adjustment will only take time. As the nation’s leading scorer among freshman, she has turned plenty of heads in Eugene and will surely be a standout scorer for many years to come.
Keizur — Rowe is a great player. She’s also only a freshman, and that lack of experience showed itself this past week. She shot a rough 1-of-16 from the floor against UCLA. The problem was partly due to some solid defense by the Bruins and partly due to poor shot selection. Rowe will learn to deal with the added attention that all superstars must face and should be able to refine her game to generate good looks at the basket.
Hoyt — Rowe is used to being the best player on a winning team, like many talented freshmen that enter a college program. So, with that in mind, adjusting to a team who experiences an up and down season like Oregon is currently undergoing is going to be tough. Rowe looked like a frustrated player during the UCLA game, but like Alleyne said, I expect Rowe to comeback in this weekend’s road trip to Washington.
3. Who do you see as the headliner for this weekends’ games in Seattle and Pullman?
Hawthorne — I think Ariel Thomas will continue to impress in her final games as a Duck. She recorded a career-high 28 points in the loss against UCLA and has shown that her ability score was not hindered by a mid-season injury. Look for her to continue to excel against the Washington schools.
Keizur — I’m going to make the safe bet and say forward Alleyne will be the star this weekend. The last time she took on the Washington schools she put up monster numbers, finishing with a combined 56 points and 44 rebounds. I think it will be the same for her this weekend as she will easily record two double-doubles.
Hoyt — Just like Alleyne came back last weekend against UCLA and USC, I expect Rowe to have two of her best performances of the season this weekend. Rowe is an elite scorer in this conference and, when she’s feeling it, can make a shot from anywhere on the floor. She’ll bounce back this weekend and steal the headlines.
4. Will the Ducks rebound and win against Washington and/or Washington State this weekend?
Hawthorne — There is no doubt that both Washington and Washington State will be fired up, as Oregon swept the Washington schools on their trip to Eugene earlier this season. I think the Ducks will sweep these schools again, building momentum heading into the conference tournament.
Keizur — These two games will be tough for an Oregon team that has struggled mightily on the road this season. Though the Ducks were able to sweep the Washington schools at home earlier this season, it is tough to beat anyone two times in a row. Injuries also have to be a concern for this Oregon team, something they have dealt with all season. I foresee two losses for the Ducks.
Hoyt — Mental strength is the most important asset down the stretch. We’ll see how much this Oregon team has when they face the Washington teams this weekend. Thomas and Danielle Love, the two seniors in the starting lineup, need to grab hold of this team and lead them with four games left. Oregon will lose a close one to Washington, 89-86, but will bounce back against Washington State, winning 96-83.
Follow Jonathan Hawthorne on Twitter @Jon_Hawthorne
Follow Chris Keizur on Twitter @chriskeizur
Follow Joseph Hoyt on Twitter @jhoyt42