Cav's Clip Ducks 67-54
Don Smalley

Different season, same result.

The Virginia Cavaliers shot the ball better and dominated the boards en route to a 67-54 non-conference victory over the Ducks in front of 8,750 at Matthew Knight Arena Sunday afternoon. The loss dropped Oregon to 6-3 on the season, while Virginia improved to 9-1.

This was supposed to be a redemption game for the Ducks. Oregon went back east last year only to be handed a 63-48 loss by Virginia. Unbeaten at home so far this season the Ducks were hoping to return the favor.

But Oregon had difficulty finding the mark from the field all night shooting a paltry 23-of-54, including just 3-of-15 from the three-point line.

While the Ducks had two halves of rough shooting, the Cavs just had one - hitting at a 54 percent clip over the final 20 minutes, outscoring the Ducks 39-24 after the break.

"We got to the rim, but we just didn't finish," said Oregon coach Dana Altman. "We had some shots go in and out that we just should have knocked down.

"I am disappointed. We were out rebounded by 14 and then the free throw numbers didn't give us an opportunity. There are a lot of areas to work on. Our ball movement is not where it needs to be."

Devoe Joseph, who has given Oregon's offense an added spark since becoming eligible to play three games ago, led the Ducks with 16 points. But he was the only Oregon player in double digits.

"Devoe has been great. He is a big addition to our team," Altman said. "He had a big first half and kept our team in the game. He is a good basketball player."

Virginia was led by a trio of scorers. Mike Scott led the Cavaliers with 17 points, while Joe Harris and Jontel Evans scored 15 and 12, respectively.

After playing well enough to hold a 30-28 halftime advantage the Ducks quickly let it slip away when Virginia started the second half with a 7-2 run. Oregon wouldn't see the lead again.

"Coach (Altman) talked to us about being tougher and executing," Joseph said. "We need to take care of the boards and make free throws."

The lack of free throw shooting and rebounding killed the Ducks on this night.

Oregon was just 5-of-14 from the charity stripe and lost the battle on the boards to the Cavaliers 39-25.

"We hit a dry spot and gave them some easy baskets," said Garrett Sim, who finished with nine points. "We missed a few shots that could have sparked some comebacks."

Virginia was Oregon's last major test in the non-conference schedule before beginning Pac-12 play on New Year's Eve. The Ducks will host the Global Sports hoops Showcase this week. North Carolina Central, Prairie View A & M, Stephen F. Austin, with Oregon will play a three-day round robin tournament starting Tuesday. Oregon will play at 7:00 pm with the preliminary game beginning at 4:30 each day.