Oregon Ducks Defeat San Diego State Aztecs, Advance to Championship Game
LAS VEGAS — The Oregon Ducks displayed a dominant performance Wednesday afternoon, defeating San Diego State 78-68 in the Players Era Festival at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. The victory propels the Ducks (7-0) into the championship game where they aim for a $500,000 bonus on top of the $1 million each participating team receives for its NIL funding.
Despite San Diego State (3-2) showcasing impressive shooting following a strong win against Creighton the day prior, it struggled with rebounding, allowing Oregon to dominate the boards with a 41-24 advantage. This disparity in rebounding translated into 18 second-chance points for the Ducks, a critical factor in settling the game.
Oregon’s center Nate Bittle, although he faced foul trouble, contributed significantly to the Ducks’ scoring efforts, while TJ Bamba led with 22 points. The Ducks finished strong from three-point range, hitting 10 of 22 attempts.
San Diego State’s defensive prowess fell short against the Ducks’ offensive rebounds and free throw advantages, making just 4 of 8 from the line compared to Oregon’s 18 of 26. The Aztecs’ 18 points from BJ Davis and 15 from Nick Boyd nearly half their offense, underscoring their struggle in rebounding, particularly with younger players on the court.
Looking ahead, San Diego State will face Texas A&M in the third-place game, aiming to bounce back after a disappointing outing. Coach Brian Dutcher reflected, "It’s all part of the process,” as the Aztecs strive to learn and grow from this setback.
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