Oregon women’s basketball came up just short last night, rallying from behind to force two overtime periods before falling to the #6 Michigan Wolverines, 92-87.
The Ducks sputtered out of the gate, and
with Michigan shooting nearly 77% in the first quarter, Oregon was immediately in a hole.
In the middle of the second quarter, Oregon was down by 18 before going into the half with Michigan leading, 44-28.
Katie Fiso had been mostly silent in the first half, but out of the break she made her presence known.
The emergence of Fiso, along with an improved defensive effort, allowed the Ducks to climb right back in and make a game of it.
Oregon was down by seven with about 6 minutes left in regulation, but they fought and tied the game up to force the first overtime.
The Ducks had a three-point lead with one minute to play in the first overtime. After Oregon called an ill-advised play that did not convert, the Wolverines drove to tie the game again and go to the second overtime.
“I 100% take that last possession of the first overtime,” said head coach Kelly Graves after the game. “We didn’t execute it very well, obviously, and to not get a shot in that instance – 100% on me.”
Oregon lost any momentum they had built to that point, and just didn’t have enough gas left to finish the game with a win.
“We can play with anybody,” Graves said. “I’m proud of our effort. Proud of how hard we played and gave ourselves a chance after that horrendous start to the game.”
“These are the hardest games, because you think of how many what-ifs we could have done here, could have done there.”
Michigan players were led by Syla Swords with 18 points.
Katie Fiso led all players with 24 points, 22 of which were scored after halftime. Mia Jacobs dropped 16 points, Ari Long scored 14, and Ehis Etute scored 12.
One can complain about little things here and there, like a missed free throw or a play that should probably have not been called, but ultimately this game was lost on the boards. Michigan pulled 60 rebounds to 34 for Oregon. 28 of those rebounds were off the offensive glass, and resulted in 20 second-chance points to 0 for the Ducks.
That’s your game, right there.
Head coach Kelly Graves had this to say after the game:
While Jacobs, Fiso, and Etude offered these comments:
The Oregon ladies next play after football plays the Orange Bowl. The Ducks host Northwestern on January 1st at 2:00 pm PT. The game can be seen on B1G+.
