EUGENE, OR — Wet weather no fit stop the Oregon Ducks from putting up a serious fight on the court as they defeated the South Dakota State Jackrabbits 83-69 on Wednesday night. E be like say these guys no wan make injury hold dem back as dem dey push for strong start this season.
With a record of 2-0 entering this matchup, Oregon don dey put their skills to the test against competitive teams like Hawaii and Rice. Dem narrowly escape Hawaii with a close win, 60-59, and then follow am up with a four-point victory against Rice. Now, dem dey look to extend their run to 3-0.
But wahala come when star player Devon Pryor, who dey deal with lower-body injury, become a game-time decision. Fans and team members dey hope say e go fit participate, but surprise, surprise, e no dey play. Coach Dana Altman no go gree make injuries slow dem down.
The Ducks no waste time compensating for Pryor’s absence, as dem record program-high 40 three-point attempts, landing 15 of dem in the contest. Na wetin dem call ‘raining threes’! Na dat one wey help dem maintain control of the game despite South Dakota State bring hot fire with their scoring.
Takai Simpkins slam down the court with 22 points, while his fellow teammate, Jackson Shelstad, managed to chip in 20 points. Together, dem dey form a powerful duo, especially wetin dem dey share the court. Superstar center Nate Bittle also contributed with a sweet 14 points and an impressive 10 rebounds, showing say despite some shaky starts, e still dey make impact!
Coach Altman comot hand drop serious words as he praise his boys for overcoming adversity. ‘I’m not pleased with our physicality at all, but I’m glad we won the game,’ he talk. ‘We get plenty work to do.’
The first half of the game be a real see-saw match, with Jackrabbits giving the Ducks a serious run for their money. Dem even lead by five at halftime, but with some strategic timeouts and strong quickfire offense, the Ducks shrug off the stress and push through to secure the necessary win.
Now, with dis victory, dem don improve to 3-0 for the season as dem dey prepare to face their rivals, Oregon State, next Monday at home.
Tonight, the stress and effort of the first few games don bring a large measure of confidence as the Ducks head into next week. Coach Altman go need all hand on deck as they march into the second annual Players Era Tournament in Las Vegas, where dem go tackle the ranked No. 22 Auburn!
As the Ducks flex their wings for the upcoming games, one thing be sure — they no plan to slow down anytime soon. Fans dey already high for what next week go bring!
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