Jackson recorded 27 points, seven rebounds, and six assists to pace the impressive Ducks to a hard-fought 105-90 victory that was far closer than the final score indicates.
The Waves knew that their shooters had to have big nights to have a chance at the huge upset, and were up to the challenge. Alex Acker scored 12 of his 16 points in the first half, on 5-6 shooting with two three-pointers. The freshman set the tone for a half in which the Waves shot 57% overall and made six of nine from beyond the arc. When the dust settled, the Ducks held a 52-50 halftime lead.
The Waves continued to battle throughout the second half. They held a 58-57 edge with 18:10 to play, but it would be their final lead of the game. The key sequence came with the Ducks holding a slim 82-79 lead at the 8:30 mark. Andre Joseph lost the ball in the backcourt to the Waves' Jimmy Miggins, but Miggins was unable to convert, fumbling the ball back to the Ducks. Ridnour got the ball at the other end and rainbowed a three-pointer that bounced on the rim three times before finally falling through. It would prove the be the beginning of a 10-0 burst, putting the suddenly tired-looking Waves in too big a hole to overcome. They got no closer than eight points the rest of the way.
Certainly, the Waves have nothing to hang their heads about. They were highly competitive throughout an up-tempo, thrilling game. Wave players, most notably Acker, Miggins, Boomer Brazzle, and Terrance Johnson, proved they belong in the same league as more-touted Ducks. The large contingent of Duck fans in attendance certainly sweated this one out.
Miggins played Jackson to a virtual standoff, logging 24 points, six rebounds, and five assists. Brazzle and Johnson added 14.
Glen McGowan saw his first action of the season for the Waves, logging seven points and six rebounds. But while his October knee surgery didn't seem to bother him, rust from the time off did; he fouled out in just 12 minutes. The Waves could have used more minutes from their biggest and most physical player. He did, however, show why the Waves believe he can elevate them to elite status.
Robert Johnson had 19 points and 10 boards for the Ducks. Ridnour added 15 and five assists, while freshman Ian Crosswhite used his immense 6'11 frame to muscle his way to 19 points and six rebounds. James Davis spent the evening behind the three-point line, nailing four for a backbreaking 12 points.
In the end it was depth and balance that gave the Ducks an advantage. They only used eight players, but they were eight premier players. The Waves just did not have an answer for the size and strength down low, and the remarkable athleticism of Ridnour and Jackson.
The Waves turn right around and travel to Palo Alto for the Stanford Invitational and a date with the Richmond Spiders on Monday afternoon. More important than the loss to Oregon will be the Waves' response to it. The players clearly already believed they were able to beat the best in the nation, and after playng them so close, they certainly have even more reason to believe it. So they can come out with supreme confidence and force a showdown with another Pac-10 power in the championship round, or they can feel frustrated by a close loss and lose focus. They have less than 48 hours to choose.
Notes and commentary:
The Waves still have no word on the possible re-instatement of guard Dani Hazut. Hazut played semi-pro ball in Israel, meaning that the NCAA must rule whether his professional experience renders him ineligible for collegiate competition. Hazut is healthy and ready, and would be available to suit up as soon as the NCAA declares him eligible. There is still a chance they will deny him entirely ... McGowan was warmly received by the crowd when he entered about five minutes into the game. Due to injury and suspension, this is only McGowan's second nonconference appearance in two years ... Patten started at center for the second consecutive game, the only two games in which he has appeared all year. He is averaging five points and 2.5 rebounds in 15.5 minutes ... Derrick Grubb did not play by coach's decision, despite Oregon's superior size. Grubb is the Waves' biggest player at 6'10, 250lbs.