Aix11

That said, any Duck track fan must remember the incredible 2017 women's team that frittered away a huge pre-meet edge which resulted in the meet literally going down to the last seconds in the 4x400, seconds which put Raevyn Rogers on the new Hayward tower. I was at the finish line (20 rows up) for that incredibly exciting finish by Ms. Rogers (after winning the 800 shortly before) in the 4by.. While sprinting around Bowerman's Corner, the crowd of 12,000+ stood screaming and treated us to perhaps the best finish ever (certainly in recent memory) at historic Hayward Field!! As Bruce 3404 mentioned, in my words, our women's team came very close to snatching defeat from the jaws of victory as the day proceeded. After that performance, Ms. Rogers earned her spot on the beautiful Oregon Tower at Hayward Field!

Perhaps he could take lessons throwing discus in his spare time and also join a great track and field program?!

Our outside shooting has been poor, except for Mikesell in the last game against the Beavers. I am not about to give up on their ability to win. This team, although still inexperienced playing together, has some existing and budding talent that has the ability to win games. Missing Paopao is significant but the opportunity is there for others to step up.

There are certain players (that Dana has recruited for very specific purposes) over the 11 years that Dana has been coaching the Ducks that present match-up problems for the opposing team. Aside from the ball movement designed to not only break the defense down but also to wear them out, Dana can read various, complex situations on the floor and determine a way to win (again and again). Look, he sees things on the floor that only a limited number of fans see; he is like a Chess GrandMaster (there are far and few between). I am just very happy to say that I recorded that UCLA game at the last second and will enjoy watching it again, in time, along with last year's men and women's teams great victories!

Great to see Williams back in the lineup after a fairly long absence. Give credit to USC; they executed their game plan quite well. Our Ducks will have to make defensive adjustments-if any are needed-earlier in the game (and that includes double-teaming the ball, therefore leaving a red hot 3-point shooter open). Rebounding has been our Achilles heel in some games, but in other games we have been able to make up for it with better shooting and better defense (such was not the case last night). However, with this team's experience, my bet is that they bounce back just fine. Credit to Kepnang for working his tail off and bringing much enthusiasm to the court. Go Ducks!

Rose Bowl. Pac-12 Championship. Just a start. Good enough for me.

Lots of praise to our WBB team bouncing back with smart, tough play after a loss in Pauley. Coach Kelly said that they had a rare live scrimmage last night (first time ever) and a tough film session. Impressive team play on O and D. Many of our players had a good game, and thank goodness that Taylor Chavez is back. Her experience and toughness are very helpful. We led in every category over a good USC team, except for being 1 under in offensive rebounds. Big game versus the Beavers in Eugene next Sunday! Go Ducks!

Payback was on UCLA's mind! (We beat some very good UCLA teams the last several years!). They played aggressive and physical all night, shot well, and crushed us on the boards (47 to 24). Oh yes, they received the benefit of more foul calls as well (19-11). Next year is our payback.

Kelly and crew need to do a lot of work with Nyara's ball handling, passing and court presence skills. She leads the team in turnovers and fouls. Last night 7 turnovers, 5 fouls, several out of positions on defense, and rebounds. Nyara did not have an effective night against Stanford and she knows it. She will improve soon enough; she has had a solid season so far and is a match-up problem for other teams. Functionally, she is a freshman. Kudos to the team for coming back from 15 points down! We missed Taylor's D and O; I believe that her D would have limited Kiana William's 20 point night. I look forward to seeing her start again. Since you mentioned one of our "bigs", I also look forward to seeing Sedona play better in the post position and improve her FG%. She had a poor game against Stanford and I am sure that she wants to make up for it. Recall that Sabrina's freshman year was not all roses. This team is getting there. Coach Grave's decision to keep inserting the freshman will pay major dividends.

This map tells an interesting story, but questions remain.

I am more interested in the team's play and outcome. Exercising the diversity in the color wheel is fine with me.

For the Ducks to out-rebound a much taller Arizona team speaks of tremendous effort and technique. Much credit to the Ducks for saving and wisely utilizing the foul at the end. Our D worked very hard in this game. I am glad I recorded the game-one to look at again to pick up the finer points. Our experienced transfers played well.

Due to limited seating and competitive nature of our Duck's softball team at the absolutely beautiful Jane Sanders Stadium, these tickets will once again be the hottest in town (once fans can attend). As Jack Reacher pointed out in his very good in-depth discussion with a focus on pitching, this is a complex game in a competitive conference. Think of each game like a " higher-rated" chess game; there are many considerations based on principles, strategies, tactics, player strengths and weaknesses, and so on. Coach Lombardi and her staff have my fullest respect and confidence. Like so many of our Duck sports teams, this is one worth following and enjoying. Go Ducks!

Well, the discussion and speculation about Pac-12 rivalry is always interesting but how about some thoughts on our second non-conference game next year? Will our lines be ready to take on the Buckeyes?

Lots of coaching and practicing ahead. How I hope there is a spring game that can be a(safely) attended by fans!