In the first of a pair of home games this week before their journey to Hawaii, the No. 23 Oregon women's basketball team showcased their skills on Monday night at Matthew Knight Arena. The Ducks faced Grand Canyon and emerged victorious with a score of 70 - 54. This victory was not only a testament to their team play but also to the individual efforts of key players.Key Players and Their Performances
The Ducks' shooting performance was not at its best, with a 38% shooting percentage. However, they received solid scoring contributions from Peyton Scott and Amina Muhammad. Peyton Scott scored 17 points, while Amina Muhammad had a first double-double of the season with 11 points and 10 rebounds. Star guard Deja Kelly, despite struggling from the floor (0 - for - 9 shooting), still managed to make an impact with 11 rebounds and 4 assists.Early Game Struggles and Comebacks
The game started with Oregon trailing 4 - 2 early. But a remarkable blistering 20 - 0 run, highlighted by back - to - back threes from Scott and another pair of back - to - back triples from Nani Falatea, gave the Ducks a 22 - 4 lead late in the first quarter. Grand Canyon fought back in the first quarter with a 6 - 0 spurt to make it 22 - 10. In the second quarter, Oregon's shooting cooled, but Scott's strong showing with a flurry of midrange jumpers helped them maintain a 36 - 18 lead at halftime. She led all scorers with 12 points in the first half.Third Quarter Challenges and Successes
The Lopes came out strong in the third quarter, moving the ball with improved speed and going on a 10 - 3 run. Midway through the third, Oregon's lead was cut to 39 - 28. However, as the third quarter progressed, the Ducks found success in transition. They took a 46 - 30 lead on a three - pointer by Elisa Mevius with 2:53 left in the frame. Oregon led 50 - 32 through three quarters.Final Quarter and the Undefeated Streak
In the final quarter, Mevius hit another momentum three - pointer for the Ducks late in the game. With the game mostly in hand, she nailed one from downtown to make it 70 - 52 with just over a minute left. The Ducks finished the game and remained undefeated on the season. They are now looking ahead to a matchup with fellow undefeated Auburn.Next game: No. 23 Oregon (5 - 0) vs. Auburn (3 - 0)When: Wednesday, Nov. 20Time: 6 p.m. PTWhere: Matthew Knight Arena, EugeneTV: B1G +— Ryan Clarke covers the Oregon Ducks and Big Ten Conference. Listen to the Ducks Confidential podcast or subscribe to the Ducks Roundup newsletter.
