Although Men’s Basketball head coach Dana Altman has been known for getting the best out of his transfer players and newcomers, it was a trio of returning Ducks that helped Oregon overcome a tough fight from UC Riverside to win 71-65.
In the second half, Will Richardson, Eric Williams, and N’Faly Dante, all members of last year’s Sweet 16 team, scored 21 of the team’s 29 points. With the game tied at 58 with just over seven minutes remaining, Dante made one of two free throws to put the Ducks up for good.
After forcing two consecutive shot clock violations on defense, Williams hit a jumper to push the lead to three with 5:22 left.