The Oregon Ducks dominated the Utah Utes in the Pac-12 Tournament championship game, 88-57. The #8 Ducks (28-6) won their second Pac-12 championship in the last four years.
LAS VEGAS—The Oregon Ducks dominated the Utah Utes in the Pac-12 Tournament championship game, 88-57. The #8 Ducks (28-6) won their second Pac-12 championship in the last four years.
Oregon dominated #12 Utah (26-8) in the first half, closing the half on a 25-8 run, closing with a 38-21 score. At halftime, the Ducks made more field goals (16) than Utah had attempted (15).
Since the 10:27 mark in the first half until halftime, Utah made just two field goals, missed six, and turned the ball over ten times. In contrast, Oregon made eleven shots, missed eight, and had just two turnovers. Utah also pulled down 14 rebounds, while totaling 13 first half turnovers.
The trend continued in the second half, with Oregon first doubling up the Utes at 54-27 with 14:23 to play in the game. Utah head coach Larry Krystkowiak played backups early and often in the second half, conserving his starters’ energy after long, intensive efforts in the first two tournament games.
Oregon’s largest lead of 36 points came with 3:46 on the clock at 83-47. Only Jakob Poeltl reached double-digit scoring for Utah at 13 points.
The Utes await their selection to the NCAA Tournament on Sunday, March 13. Utah is expected to be a 3- or 4-seed in the tournament, likely to play their first game in Denver, Colorado.
