Second Half Surge Lifts Ducks over Utes

EUGENE, Ore. – Oregon kicked off 2022 with a comeback win over Utah on Saturday night.
 
How it Happened: The Ducks got off to a slow start, hitting just one of their first 10 shots to get behind early. Oregon then went on a 12-0 run to give the Ducks their largest lead of the half, with a six-point advantage at the eight-minute mark. Utah was able to force six turnovers in the half, netting eight points off turnovers. The Utes closed out the half with a halfcourt heave to give the visitors a six-point lead at the break.
 
Oregon turned it on in the second half, forcing five turnovers in the first few minutes to take a three-point lead that they would not relinquish. Jacob Young provided the spark the Ducks needed with a season-high 22 points, three steals and four assists. Will Richardson was huge down the stretch with 22 second half points to pace the Ducks offense. Oregon outscored Utah 50-31 to clinch their first conference win of the season.
 
"Our energy level was so much better," said head coach Dana Altman. "I think at the time we were down 10 boards and we cut it down to three, so we outrebounded them by seven in the final 18 minutes and our energy level just got way up because of the defense."
 
Who Stood Out: Richardson finished with a career-best 26 points, followed by Young with 22. It was the first time a pair of Ducks have reached 20-plus since L.J. Figueroa and Chris Duarte did so last season.
 
Up Next: Oregon hosts Colorado on Monday at 7 p.m. in Matthew Knight Arena.