Both No. 15 Oregon and Penn State found themselves on the wrong end of contests against Illinois this month, setting the stage for a matchup where shared experiences could provide valuable insights. The teams are set to clash on Sunday in University Park, Pennsylvania.
Following a humbling defeat to Illinois, Oregon (14-2, 3-2 Big Ten) suffered a bruising 109-77 loss at the hands of then-No. 22 Illinois as the calendar turned to the new year. Head coach Dana Altman did not mince words, expressing his embarrassment at the team’s performance. However, the Ducks rebounded with resilient victories over Maryland (83-79) and Ohio State (73-71), showcasing their ability to learn and adapt.
Against Ohio State, Jackson Shelstad led the charge with 24 points on an efficient 8-of-11 shooting performance, including a crucial 3-pointer late in the game. Nate Bittle also made a significant impact, contributing 21 points, eight rebounds, and three blocks to fuel Oregon’s comeback victory.
Altman praised the team’s late-game execution, highlighting improved ball movement and reduced turnovers. He commended Bittle for his defensive presence, noting his shot-contesting prowess that disrupted opponents’ drives to the basket.
Penn State (12-4, 2-3) faced a similar setback against Illinois, succumbing to a resounding 91-52 defeat. The Nittany Lions struggled offensively, with Ace Baldwin Jr. going scoreless in 15 minutes before exiting the game due to a back injury. In addition, Puff Johnson, another key starter, was sidelined with an undisclosed injury.
Head coach Mike Rhoades emphasized the importance of player health, underscoring the need for Baldwin and Johnson to return to full strength. Rhoades acknowledged the challenge of compensating for Baldwin’s absence, a significant loss given his playmaking ability that ranked him fourth nationally in assists per game.
In light of potential lineup changes, Rhoades highlighted Nick Kern Jr. and Zach Hicks as players who could step up in the absence of injured teammates. Despite the setbacks, Penn State boasts offensive versatility with talents like Yanic Konan Niederhauser and sharpshooter Hicks, though recent performances have fallen short of expectations.
Rhoades stressed the team’s need to adapt and rise to the occasion, even in the face of adversity. With consecutive losses denting their momentum, the Nittany Lions aim to regroup and rediscover their winning form against a formidable Oregon squad.
The Ducks present a formidable challenge with a balanced offensive attack led by Bittle and Shelstad. Oregon’s scoring depth is evident, with the top six scorers all contributing from beyond the arc, exemplified by Keeshawn Barthelemy’s team-high 28 made 3-pointers.
In contrast, Penn State’s reliance on Baldwin and Hicks for perimeter scoring underscores the need for collective contributions to fill the void left.
