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Eugene, OR – In the opening night of Big Ten conference play, USC had a huge first half from Jacob Cofie, a huge second half from Ezra Ausar, and a steady showing of dominance from Chad Baker-Mazara to edge out Oregon, 82-77. The game was close throughout, with Baker-Mazara sealing it down the stretch with several floaters in the lane, and a massive three-pointer he created off the bounce. USC maintains a perfect 8-0 record while missing junior guard Rodney Rice, who is averaging 20.3 ppg through 6 games. Oregon, after finishing 0-3 at the Players Era Festival in Las Vegas, is now at 4-4 on the season.
Auburn transfer and super senior, Baker-Mazara, was the game high scorer with 25-points, consistent in his impact during both halves. The lithe, 6’7” wing, showed good touch, unorthodox drives, and used his length to create space and angles. He’s also a strong defender and a steadying presence. Turning 26 in January and would be very light by NBA standards, he is averaging 20.9 ppg on the season, is a career 87.8% FT shooter and 39.5% 3PT shooter in college. He should at the very least be on two-way radars and have a chance to prove he can carve out a role in the G League.
The first half saw a dominant performance from sophomore Virginia transfer, Cofie, who took advantage of mismatches, drained a couple from long range and showed his ability to handle in the open floor at 6’10”. Cofie had 16 of his 17 points in the first half, as Oregon stifled him with doubles and kept a closer eye on him, which led to opportunities for the 6’9” senior Utah transfer, Ausar. After playing just over 5 minutes in the first half due to foul trouble, Ausar used his physicality and athleticism to finish around the basket and get to the foul line. He had all 13 of his points in the second half. Cofie also finished with 3 steals and 2 blocks, with he and Ausar able to move their feet and make it tough for Oregon to score in the paint.
The other two double figure scorers for the Trojans were freshman guard Jerry Easter II, and stretch forward Jaden Brownell, both finishing with 11. Easter II has taken on much more of a role the past two games without Rice, and he left a mark on this game with his ability to get to the paint and his defensive pressure. All three of his field goals were blow by’s, and he sealed the game for the Trojans at the FT stripe. Brownell, the 6’10” transfer from Samford, had three corner three-pointers, with his quick release being something you have to account for.
Oregon had a big performance from junior Kwame Evans, Jr., who tied a career high with 23 points and pulled down 9 rebounds. He showed a blend of his ability to stretch the floor, how dangerous he can be as a cutter, and that he can punish closeouts. He did a good job through contact and finished 9-of-11 at the line. Evans, Jr. also is an event creator defensively with his length and anticipation. This was his fifth game in a row over double figures, and the Ducks are a much better team when he is aggressive, taking advantage of mismatches with his blend of length and movement ability. While he still can work on his hands, reacting more quickly once he gets the ball, and his balance going to the basket, he was the absolute bright spot for Oregon and kept this game competitive.
After a rough start from deep for Oregon, senior Elon transfer Takai Simpkins is now hitting 40.9% 3PT on the season and was 4-of-6 from 3 in this game, finishing with 17 points and 5 assists. It has been a streaky season for Simpkins thus far, but he gives the Ducks a secondary creator, with some pop and someone defenses need to respect from deep.
Junior Jackson Shelstad had 11 points and 4 assists in the first half, as the Ducks went into halftime tied 39-39. The second half was a real struggle, as he finished 0-4 from three, making his lone FG with the game out of reach to finish with 13 points and 5 assists. Also, in a game that saw Oregon shoot 10-of-23 (43%) from three, Shelstad finished 1-of-6. Teams have started to trap him consistently, pressuring him up court often and being physical off ball. The Ducks second leading scorer on the season at 15.3 ppg, Shelstad and Oregon will have to adapt to what is now common practice in trying to take him out of the game.
The Trojans were not the only team missing a crucial piece, as 7-footer Nathan Bittle missed his second game in a row dealing with an ankle injury. Bittle is averaging 16.3 ppg, 7.8 rpg, and 2.3 bpg on the season, and will be a crucial element if Oregon hopes to compete in the Big Ten. Rodney Rice, the junior Maryland transfer, missed his third game in a row as he deals with a shoulder injury.
Oregon and USC will both be in California on Saturday December 6, playing their second Big Ten conference games at 3 pm, with Oregon facing UCLA at Pauley Pavilion, while USC will host Washington. USC has done all they have needed to so far this season, while Oregon hopes to cut down on turnovers that have plagued them as a team, and get all of their main players on the same page.
This article was written by Michael Visenberg, a correspondent and scout for NetScouts Basketball. You can follow us on Instagram, or on twitter.
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