Perhaps taking an early loss to Iowa in the first matchup of the 2k Empire Classic was a blessing in disguise for Altman and his Ducks. Oregon may not have come out ready to play in the first half against the Hawkeyes allowing 8 three-point shots, but it was a different story versus the Orange.
The Ducks got out to a 13 point lead at the end of the first half, with the help of solid defense and shooting that wasn’t necessarily seen against the Hawkeyes. The early lead was enough to propel Oregon to the victory over 15th ranked Syracuse.