Oregon Ducks Men’s Basketball vs. SDSU Basketball Match: Player Stats and Game Analysis

The Oregon Ducks men’s basketball team faced off against the San Diego State Aztecs in a thrilling matchup on November 27, 2024, at the Players Era Festival in Las Vegas. The game, which ended with a 78-68 victory for the Ducks, showcased standout performances, strategic plays, and key statistical contributions from both teams. This article dives deep into the player stats, game dynamics, and critical moments that defined this exciting NCAA men’s basketball clash, providing a comprehensive breakdown for fans and analysts alike.

Game Overview

The Oregon Ducks (7-0) entered the game undefeated, riding a wave of momentum from dominant wins over teams like UC Riverside, Montana, and Oregon State. The San Diego State Aztecs (3-2), known for their stout defense and competitive edge, were coming off a loss to Gonzaga but had shown promise with a commanding win over Occidental. The matchup at MGM Grand Garden Arena was part of the inaugural Players Era Festival, a high-stakes tournament with significant Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities, adding intensity to the November showdown.

Oregon’s victory was fueled by a balanced offensive attack, dominant rebounding, and clutch shooting, while SDSU struggled to maintain consistency despite strong individual efforts. Below, we explore the player stats, team performance, and pivotal moments that shaped the outcome.

Oregon Ducks: Key Player Stats

The Ducks showcased a well-rounded performance, with five players scoring in double figures and a commanding 41-24 rebounding advantage, including 16 offensive rebounds. Here’s a detailed look at the standout performers for Oregon:

TJ Bamba (Guard)

• Points: 22
• Rebounds: 5
• Assists: 2
• Field Goals: 8-14 (57.1%)
• Three-Pointers: 3-5 (60%)
• Minutes: 34

TJ Bamba led the Ducks with a season-high 22 points, delivering a masterful performance that included clutch three-point shooting and aggressive drives to the basket. His early buckets set the tone, and his three-pointer in the second half during a critical 9-0 run helped Oregon regain control when SDSU cut the lead to three. Bamba’s ability to score in multiple ways made him the game’s most impactful player.

Jackson Shelstad (Guard)

• Points: 12
• Rebounds: 4
• Assists: 5
• Field Goals: 4-9 (44.4%)
• Three-Pointers: 2-4 (50%)
• Minutes: 32

Sophomore guard Jackson Shelstad continued to impress with his playmaking and scoring. His 12 points included key buckets in the final five minutes of the first half, where he and Keeshawn Barthelemy combined for 12 of Oregon’s 16 points during a decisive run. Shelstad’s five assists highlighted his growing role as a floor general, orchestrating Oregon’s fast-paced offense.

Keeshawn Barthelemy (Guard)

• Points: 11
• Rebounds: 3
• Assists: 3
• Field Goals: 4-8 (50%)
• Three-Pointers: 2-3 (66.7%)
• Minutes: 28

Barthelemy’s efficiency from beyond the arc and timely scoring provided a spark off the bench. His three-pointer during Oregon’s second-half response to SDSU’s 9-0 run was crucial in maintaining the lead. Barthelemy’s defensive hustle also helped limit SDSU’s backcourt production.

Brandon Angel (Forward)

• Points: 10
• Rebounds: 7
• Assists: 1
• Field Goals: 4-7 (57.1%)
• Three-Pointers: 1-2 (50%)
• Minutes: 30

Brandon Angel’s versatility shone through with 10 points and seven rebounds, including three offensive boards. His layup early in the second half extended Oregon’s lead to 46-33, their largest of the game. Angel’s presence in the paint was vital in Oregon’s rebounding dominace.

Nate Bittle (Center)

• Points: 10
• Rebounds: 8
• Blocks: 2
• Field Goals: 4-6 (66.7%)
• Three-Pointers: 0-0
• Minutes: 26

Nate Bittle anchored the Ducks’ interior defense and rebounding efforts. His eight rebounds, including four offensive, and two blocks disrupted SDSU’s inside game. Bittle’s efficient scoring around the rim complemented Oregon’s guard-heavy attack.

Team Stats

• Field Goal %: 46.7% (28-60)
• Three-Point %: 47.1% (8-17)
• Free Throw %: 73.7% (14-19)
• Rebounds: 41 (16 offensive)
• Assists: 14
• Turnovers: 12
• Points in Paint: 36
• Second-Chance Points: 18

Oregon’s ability to capitalize on second-chance opportunities (18 points off offensive rebounds) and shoot efficiently from three-point range was pivotal. Their 14 assists reflected strong ball movement, while their 12 turnovers, though a concern, were mitigated by their rebounding edge.

San Diego State Aztecs: Key Player Stats

The Aztecs fought valiantly but couldn’t overcome Oregon’s rebounding and late-game execution. BJ Davis and Nick Boyd led the scoring, but their impact waned in the final minutes. Here’s a breakdown of SDSU’s top performers:

BJ Davis (Guard)

• Points: 18
• Rebounds: 9
• Assists: 2
• Field Goals: 6-12 (50%)
• Three-Pointers: 2-5 (40%)
• Minutes: 33

BJ Davis was SDSU’s leading scorer, showcasing his ability to attack the basket and hit from deep. His nine rebounds were a team-high, but his lack of production in the final stretch limited SDSU’s comeback hopes. Davis’s performance built on his 18-point, nine-rebound effort against Creighton, signaling his emergence as a key offensive weapon.

Nick Boyd (Guard)

• Points: 15
• Rebounds: 3
• Assists: 4
• Field Goals: 5-11 (45.5%)
• Three-Pointers: 2-4 (50%)
• Minutes: 35

Nick Boyd, SDSU’s standout performer this season with a 51.9% field goal percentage, contributed 15 points and four assists. His playmaking kept SDSU in the game early, but like Davis, he struggled to make a difference in the closing minutes. Boyd’s efficiency from the field was a bright spot, though his three rebounds were overshadowed by Oregon’s dominance on the glass.

Other Contributors

• Wayne McKinney III: 8 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist (3-7 FG)
• Jared Coleman-Jones: 6 points, 4 rebounds (2-5 FG)
• Magoon Gwath: 5 points, 2 rebounds (2-4 FG)

SDSU’s supporting cast couldn’t provide the necessary scoring punch. The Aztecs’ bench was outscored by Oregon’s, and their lack of depth was evident as Oregon pulled away late.

Team Stats

• Field Goal %: 42.1% (24-57)
• Three-Point %: 33.3% (6-18)
• Free Throw %: 66.7% (14-21)
• Rebounds: 24 (6 offensive)
• Assists: 10
• Turnovers: 10
• Points in Paint: 28
• Second-Chance Points: 6

SDSU’s defense, ranked 22nd nationally allowing just 60 points per game, couldn’t contain Oregon’s balanced attack. Their 24 rebounds were a significant disadvantage, and their six second-chance points paled in comparison to Oregon’s 18. The Aztecs’ 10 turnovers were fewer than Oregon’s, but their inability to convert defensive stops into points hurt their chances.

Game Flow and Critical Moments

First Half: Oregon’s Early Push

Oregon jumped out to an early lead behind buckets from Bamba, Bittle, and Angel, but turnovers allowed SDSU to respond with a 6-0 run, taking a 19-17 lead at the 10-minute mark. Bamba’s three-pointer swung momentum back to Oregon, and the Ducks closed the half strong, with Shelstad and Barthelemy fueling a 16-point surge. Oregon led 41-33 at halftime, thanks to 18 points off offensive rebounds.

Second Half: SDSU’s Rally and Oregon’s Response

Oregon extended their lead to 46-33 early in the second half, but SDSU battled back with a 9-0 run, cutting the deficit to 56-53 with 10:58 remaining. The Ducks responded decisively, with Angel, Bamba, and Barthelemy hitting three-pointers on consecutive possessions to push the lead back to eight. SDSU made one final push, narrowing the gap to 65-61 with 7:24 left, but Oregon’s backcourt took control, outscoring the Aztecs down the stretch to secure the 78-68 win.

Turning Point

The turning point came during Oregon’s three-point barrage in the second half. With SDSU threatening to take the lead, the Ducks’ trio of Angel, Bamba, and Barthelemy drained three-pointers that silenced the Aztecs’ momentum and energized the Oregon faithful at MGM Grand Garden Arena. This sequence highlighted Oregon’s depth and ability to answer runs with timely shooting.

Strategic Analysis

Oregon’s Strengths

1. Rebounding Dominance: Oregon’s 41-24 rebounding edge, particularly 16 offensive rebounds, gave them multiple second-chance opportunities. Players like Bittle and Angel controlled the glass, wearing down SDSU’s frontcourt.
2. Balanced Scoring: Five players in double figures ensured Oregon didn’t rely on a single star. This depth allowed them to maintain offensive pressure even when SDSU focused on Bamba.
3. Clutch Shooting: Oregon’s 47.1% three-point shooting, especially in critical moments, was a game-changer. Their ability to hit from deep during SDSU’s runs kept the Aztecs at bay.

SDSU’s Challenges

1. Rebounding Deficiency: SDSU’s 24 rebounds, including just six offensive, limited their ability to control the game’s tempo. Oregon’s dominance on the boards exposed a key weakness.
2. Late-Game Execution: Davis and Boyd’s inability to score in the final minutes highlighted SDSU’s lack of a go-to closer. Their offense stalled when Oregon tightened defensively.
3. Depth Issues: SDSU’s bench provided minimal scoring, putting too much pressure on their starters. Oregon’s deeper rotation capitalized on this disparity late in the game.

Context and Implications

Oregon’s win improved their record to 7-0, solidifying their status as a Big Ten contender in their first year in the conference. The victory over SDSU, a perennial NCAA Tournament team, added a quality win to their resume and boosted their confidence heading into the Players Era Festival championship game against either Rutgers or No. 9 Alabama.

For SDSU, the loss dropped them to 3-2, exposing areas for improvement, particularly in rebounding and bench production. However, their defensive tenacity and individual performances from Davis and Boyd suggest they remain a dangerous team in the Mountain West Conference.

Conclusion

The Oregon Ducks’ 78-68 victory over the San Diego State Aztecs on November 27, 2024, was a showcase of their depth, rebounding prowess, and clutch shooting. TJ Bamba’s 22-point performance, supported by double-figure scoring from Shelstad, Barthelemy, Angel, and Bittle, propelled Oregon to a hard-fought win. SDSU’s BJ Davis and Nick Boyd fought valiantly, but their team’s rebounding struggles and lack of late-game scoring proved costly.

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