TAMPA, Fla. -- Oregon's strategy was clear from the first whistle of its NCAA semifinal against Baylor. The Ducks were either going to live by the 3-pointer, or they were going to die by it.
Oregon, which came into the game shooting an NCAA-best 43 percent from long range, nearly upheld that mark in the first half of play in the Ducks' 67-72 loss to the Bears.
Forward Erin Boley had two 3-pointers in the opening five minutes, and guard Sabrina Ionescu was hot in the final seconds of the first half. She sunk a 3-pointer as she was fouled, converting the four-point play to give Oregon a one-point lead at the half.