1) Going into the Washington games last week, it felt like the Ducks could pick up two wins on the road. Instead, they lost both. What happened?
Hawthorne — The Ducks were outshot by Washington State in the second half 66.7 percent to 33.3 percent. That cannot happen for this Oregon team that is highly dependent on making shots, especially on the fast break. Also, there might have been a lack of focus. The Ducks swept the Washington schools at home and potentially went in with the mindset that they had the upperhand.
Keizur — Oregon just ran out of energy down the stretch in both games. Against Washington, the Ducks were able to fight back into the game, pulling within six points with 2:42 left on the clock, only to see the Huskies hold on for the victory. Then against Washington State the Ducks gave up big, scoring runs to the Cougars in the second half leading to a lopsided defeat. It has been a long season for Oregon, with wins coming few and far between, so a lack of energy in close games is understandable.
Hoyt — Oregon needed to beat the Washington schools last weekend but they failed to do it. Against Washington, Oregon’s Jillian Alleyne exploded scoring 30 points and Katelyn Loper returning from injury added 24 points. In the end, they couldn’t keep it up and lost by eight. Washington State’s dynamic duo Tia Presley and Lia Galdeira combined for 59 points as the Cougars served the Ducks with a 108-88 win. Oregon needed to rebound against the Washington schools, but instead headed into the final weekend on a five-game losing streak.
2) Katelyn Loper played well in her return last week. What does her presence on the court mean for the Ducks?
Hawthorne — I was very impressed with Loper’s play this past weekend: she scored 22 points against WSU and drilled seven three-pointers against UW to finish with 18 points. Her play can carry the Ducks offensively when her shots fall. Her presence on the court cannot be overlooked. Look for her to continue her success this weekend, especially shooting at Matthew Knight Arena.
Keizur — Having Loper on the court is a huge plus for the Ducks, as she brings toughness and attitude. Loper is one of those players who can get her shot up at will, which can open up space for her teammates. When she’s knocking down threes —like she was this weekend— it gives easier shots to everyone else as the defense must check out to her.
Hoyt – If Loper can continue her hot streak from this past weekend, then her return is huge for Oregon. She combined to score 46 points against the two schools. Despite her high-scoring performances, the Ducks lost both games. Oregon needs a third player to step up in the final weekend. Loper and Alleyne carried the load, but the Ducks need someone else to pick up the load.
3) Due to a bookkeeping error, on Tuesday we discovered Alleyne is actually 43 rebounds shy of the Pac-12 record of 466, set by Stanford’s Chiney Ogwumike last season. Will she be able to finish the year with the record, with at least three games left this season?
Hawthorne — Without a doubt. Alleyne will be the Pac-12 record-holder in rebounds before the season is all wrapped up. She’s leading the nation, averaging 15.7 rebounds per game, and I don’t see any reason why she won’t be able to record 43 rebounds in three more games (she needs an average of 14.4 rebounds per game to set the record). The record will only be the icing on the cake for Alleyne, who has shined brightly and become the face of the program.
Keizur — Simple math says that Alleyne will get the Pac-12 rebounding record. With at least three games left on the schedule and Alleyne averaging 15.7 per game, she should end with an additional 48 rebounds, giving her a five-rebound cushion. Of course, if she is unable to approach her season average she will fall short. But given her drive and competitiveness, there is no way she will fail to reclaim the record.
Hoyt — Rebounding is something that Alleyne loves to excel at. Getting the conference rebounding record will be evidence of how far she’s come in her second year. She’ll get the record this weekend.
4) With Arizona and Arizona State coming into Eugene for the final two games of the season, what does Oregon have to do to end the season on a high note?
Hawthorne — In an ideal world for the Ducks, they’d win both of these games this weekend. Earlier this season, the Ducks fell just short in a 97-94 loss at Arizona State, and are most certainly looking for revenge. However, head coach Paul Westhead will have to ensure that the entire team is in the right mindset after a disappointing travel weekend to the Washington schools. Look for the Ducks to narrowly edge out ASU and win with convincing fashion against Arizona on senior day.
Keizur — The most obvious answer is win. Even though the season hasn’t gone as Oregon would have hoped, with a 13-14 overall record, if the team can end the season on a high note it could help morale as players head into the offseason. At home, where the Ducks have been significantly better this season, they have a great chance of claiming two victories against the Arizona schools. Plus, the team will want to win on Sunday to honor their seniors in the final home game of their careers.
Hoyt — Beating Arizona State would be a huge way for Oregon to end the regular season. Taking out the No. 20 ranked team in the nation, at home, would be a motivating factor for this team heading into the conference tournament. Arizona at home shouldn’t be too big of an issue.
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