Oregon didn't wait almost 10 minutes to get their first field goal as they had Thursday night against Stanford, but the overall result remained the same - an 81-65 loss to California Saturday afternoon at Matthew Knight Arena.
Amanda Johnson - who had expressed frustration at Oregon's tendency to start slow after the loss to the Cardinal - nailed a three pointer just 20 seconds into game, scored Oregon's first 11 points and ended the day with a team high 26 points.
Another tendency has been for Oregon to be on the short end of the rebounding stat line. Unfortunately, that trend remained intact with the Bear's size consistently sealing the Ducks off inside to the tune of 21 offensive rebounds and an overall 43-29 advantage on the glass.
The Bears took full advantage of their ability to push Oregon out of the key particularly after the break and were rewarded with 44 points in the paint, 24 of them a second chance bucket.
In the opening 20 minutes, Nia Jackson had success jumpstarting Oregon's fast break. Pushing the ball to the hoop for buckets and finding open teammate, Jackson - and Johnson - guided the Ducks to a 38-36 halftime lead. Jackson ended the night just short of a double-double with 14 points and nine assists.
California began to take over the paint after the half, pushing ahead quickly then expanding their lead to eight points at 56-48.
A pair of freshman triggered the Oregon response. Deanna Weaver found Danielle Love underneath for a lay-up. The Bears turned the ball over twice against the Oregon press leading to Jackson layup, Victoria Kenjon's jumper and a Love free throw to get within a three-ball, 56-53.
California had five players reach double figures but didn't get a single point from their bench. Layshia Clarendon's 19 points led the way, with Lindsay Sherbert and Talia Caldwell each adding 17. DeNesha Stallworth hit for 15 and Eliza Pierre scored 13. The Bears shot 38-of-67 for 54 percent
Using that combination of offensive balance and size the Bears methodically ground their way back to a nine point lead and Oregon didn't threaten again.
"It was kind of two different games," said head coach Paul Westhead. "First half we played very competitive, shot the ball well. Amanda Johnson was stroking her outside shot. We had a pretty good spread with the offense and that helped cover up for some of our breakdowns defensively inside - they kind of scored on us inside but we were able to compensate."
"In the second half we didn't shoot the ball as well - I don't think we had a three point basket in the second half. And because the offense kind got in a stuck gear we got exposed inside."
"They got a couple of offensive boards, we had a couple of turnovers and our heads dropped." said Johnson.
" . I don't remember the last game that we out-rebounded our opponent. That's a crucial part of basketball"
The loss dropped Oregon's record to 12-8 over and to 3-6 in the Pac-10 at the mid-point of the conference schedule. There is good news in that Oregon defeated their next two opponents, Washington and Washington State to close the books on Mac Court. Now the Ducks hope to be up to the task in Seattle and Pullman. Oregon returns to Matthew Knight Arena on Feb 10 to face UCLA (7:00 pm) and then USC on Feb 12 at 2:00.
