The Oregon Ducks beat the Maryland Terrapins, 83-79, in a thriller on Sunday afternoon. The Ducks trailed by as many as 13, but due to key contributions from star guards Jackson Shelstad and Keeshawn Barthelemy, the Ducks avoided falling to 1-3 in conference play and losing two straight games at home.
In the first half, it looked as though Oregon was going to get blown out for the second straight game. But with just under eight minutes left in the first half, Shelstad scored eight points in 69 seconds. That solo run brought the Ducks alive and into the game, allowing them to shrink Maryland’s lead to three at halftime.
The Ducks started the second half down 45-42, but they quicklywent on a 14-2 run, leading by nine with 15 minutes to in the game. At that point, it looked as though the Ducks might run away with the game, but the Terrapins stormed back, retaking the lead with nine minutes to go.
In the final 10 minutes of the game, neither team could pull away from the other, and with two minutes to go, the game was tied 76-76. Jus then, Barthelemy laced a clutch three-pointer to go ahead, and after that, Oregon several key stops to close out the win.
Oregon vs. Maryland Keys to the Game
- The Ducks would not have won this game if not for Jackson Shelstad. The sophomore guard was as productive and efficient as you can be, not missing a shot until nearly 30 minutes into the game. At one point, Maryland was face-guarding Shelstad at half-court without the ball in his hands.
- This truly was a game of momentum, the lead changed hands several times and both teams went on multiple massive runs. Without their big run to end the first half, or their 14-2 run to start the second half, the Ducks wouldn’t have come close in this game.
- Both teams shot the basketball very well on Sunday. Both finished over 45% from the field and over 40% from three. In a game dominated by offense like this, it’s only fitting that the result came down to defense.
- The Ducks defense was much improved from their horrendous showing on Thursday against Illinois, but it still had room for improvement. Down the stretch, Oregon tightened things up on defense, holding the Terrapins to making one of their final nine field goal attempts.
Oregon vs. Team B Players of the Game
Jackson Shelstad: 23 points, 8/10 FGs, 5/5 3Ps, 5 rebounds, 2 assists
Keeshawn Barthelemy: 14 points, 5/8 FGs, 5 assists, 4 rebounds, 1 block
Nate Bittle: 16 points, 6/10 FGs, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 blocks, 1 steal
Bam Tracey: 10 points, 4 assists, 3 rebounds, 1 steal
KJ Evans: 10 points, 7 rebounds
Oregon vs. Maryland Notable Stats
- Oregon finished 52% from the field and 43% from three. The Terrapins shot 43% from deep as well, but after shooting over 50% from the field for most of the game, Maryland’s FG% fell to 47% in the final minutes.
- The Ducks made 13/15 free throws, and the Terrapins were just 14/19. Several of those Maryland misses came in the game’s final minutes
- The Ducks’ depth helped make the difference in this game. Their bench outscored Maryland’s 26-12.
- Oregon guards Jackson Shelstad and Keeshawn Barthelemy combined for 37 points on 72.2% shooting.
What’s Next for Oregon Ducks?
- Jan. 9 — at Ohio State Buckeyes
- Jan. 12 — at Penn State Nittany Lions
- Jan. 18 — vs. No. 20 Purdue Boilermakers
- Jan. 21 — vs. Washington Huskies
- Jan. 25 — at Minnesota Golden Gophers
After a two-game homestand to kick off the meat of Oregon’s conference schedule, the Ducks are going on the road for a pair of games against Big Ten opponents. After that, Oregon returns home for a Top 25 matchup and rivalry game against Washington.
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