Coach Graves: Ducks Get a Big Win, 72-48 Over USC

[30Duck]

 Jaz Shelley's 3 finished the scoring for the Ducks in a game where they had four players in double figures, led by Sydney Parrish with 17. Erin Boley had 13, Sedona Prince and Nyara Sabally both finished with 11. 

More about the game from NBC Sports Northwest

[Charles Fischer]

OREGON ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2021

LOS ANGELES — The Oregon women’s basketball team earned a huge bounce-back win in its final road game of the regular season on Sunday afternoon at the Galen Center, using a balanced offensive attack and stifling defense to defeat USC, 72-48.

The No. 13 Ducks (13-6, 10-6 Pac-12) matched their season-high with 12 made three-pointers and held their opponent to fewer than 50 points for the fourth time this season to snap a three-game losing streak and head into next Sunday’s regular-season finale on a high note.

Disappointed with their performance and effort in Friday’s loss at No. 8 UCLA, the Ducks held a live scrimmage in practice on Saturday – something head coach Kelly Graves said he has never done on a day between road games – to try and up the intensity.

“They were challenged yesterday,” said Graves. “We had a great practice, very high-spirited. We did a lot live (scrimmaging) in practice and I think it paid off today. This was a good win and I think a good character win.  I think it shows that this team has some character and the kind of mental make-up that is necessary to continue to compete down the stretch. They were challenged – believe me – in film sessions and other places, and they answered.”

Who Stood Out: Sydney Parrish enjoyed one of the best games of her young career, as the freshman led Oregon with 17 points while going 4-of-6 from three-point range and adding a career-high four steals. Erin Boley continued her history of playing well against USC with 13 points and eight rebounds, and Nyara Sabally and Sedona Prince each finished with 11 points. Freshman Te-Hina Paopao was solid in directing the offense, dishing out a career-high eight assists against just two turnovers while also grabbing seven rebounds.

What It Means: The Ducks were searching for a spark after taking three straight losses, and the intensity and effort from Saturday’s practice translated onto the court on Sunday. Graves praised players like Taylor Chavez and Sabally for stepping up as leaders, a welcome sight for a young team looking to build momentum with postseason right around the corner.

Notable: UO extended its winning streak over USC to 10 straight games … The Ducks held their opponent to fewer than 50 points for the fourth time this season, and less than 60 points for the 12th time … Sabally notched her team-leading 14th double-figure scoring performance with Boley (10th), Prince (7th) and Parrish (5th) also reaching double digits … Chavez returned to the starting lineup for the first time since Jan. 24, hitting a three-pointer to open the scoring.

Up Next: Oregon is scheduled to close the regular season against Oregon State next Sunday, February 28, at home against Oregon State (3 p.m. PT, Pac-12 Network).

[Aix11]

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!