Ducks Will Need to Stay Sharp Versus Athletic Bears

EUGENE, Ore. – The Oregon men's basketball team enters its final non-conference game Wednesday (8 p.m., Pac-12 Networks) on a four-game winning streak, but wary of a Central Arkansas squad that obliterated Cal and took UCLA to overtime.

The Bears (6-6) may only be .500, but four of those losses have come by six points or less, and two have been in overtime, including a 106-101 decision at UCLA last month. Then there's the 96-69 dismantling of California in Berkeley two weeks ago.

"They've played really well out on the West Coast," said head coach Dana Altman. "They had a chance against UCLA, and then really caught Cal on a night where they played really well, Cal didn't play a real good game and beat them really bad. They've played awfully well."

As expected, the Ducks (9-3) will focus inward in their final tune-up before Pac-12 play starts Dec. 29 versus Utah.

"I keep going back to the defensive end," said senior guard Elijah Brown. "We all have to think of ourselves as a defender in one way or another. Once we're able find that out, I think the offensive roles will kind of shake themselves out."

Much of Oregon's modest four-game winning streak has been built upon a renewed focus on rebounding. The Ducks are plus-41 on the boards during the winning streak, and are 9-0 this season when winning the rebounding battle.

Freshman Troy Brown Jr. leads the Ducks at 8.1 per game, and is one of the reasons Oregon paces the Pac-12 in rebound margin at plus-8 per game.

The Ducks' rebounding numbers have been complemented by an increase in blocked shots. Freshman Kenny Wooten leads the league in blocks (3.2 per game) and is 12^th nationally. As a team, Oregon tops the Pac-12 at 6.3 per game, which also ranks 12^th nationally.

With Paul White sidelined as he goes through concussion protocol after he caught an elbow in the forehead during the second half of the Fresno State game, Altman said Wooten is in line for his first start of the season.

"He's really been active both offensively and defensively," said Altman, who had high praise for Wooten's effort of the bench in Saturday's 68-61 victory at Fresno State. "Defensively, he just changed the whole game. It was a very good performance for a freshman on the road."

Through his first 12 games, Wooten has the same number of blocks – 38 – that current Golden State Warrior and program record-holder Jordan Bell did through his first 12 games as a Duck.

"I've never played with anybody who can jump that high and can block as many shots as he can," said senior forward MiKyle McIntosh. "He's a special specimen and a special player."

The Ducks will be well-served if they can keep their focus on the defense-to-offense mentality, not only Wednesday night, but as they move into the Pac-12 season.

- goducks.com -