The Oregon Ducks split a pair of crucial games last week, defeating USC by 18 at home and falling in a close match up to UCLA, 70-63, after second half struggles.
Dana Altman’s club now sits at 15-11 on the season and 9-6 in Pac-12 conference play, and while the team has had plenty of ups and downs they sit well within reach of an at-large bid in the NCAA Tournament.
ESPN bracketologist Joe Lunardi’s latest bracket has Oregon among the first four teams out of the field, while USC remains on the right side despite the recent losses to Oregon and Oregon State.
Two other teams above the Ducks – Kentucky and New Mexico – took tough losses recently, giving Oregon a chance to pave their way into the Field of 68.
The margin of error is razor thin for Oregon, but they have a fortunate remaining schedule which should help boost them even more.
Here is a look at each of Oregon’s remaining conference games, how they should do, and what that means for their NCAA Tournament chances:
Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Date: 2/15 at 8:00 PM
Previous result: Have not played
Odds of winning: 65%
The toughest of Oregon’s remaining games might be their next one, when the Ducks head north to Seattle and take on the Huskies.
Washington is just 5-10 in conference play, but the zone defense and a hostile road environment could cause a slip up.
Syndication: The Register Guard
Date: 2/19 at 4:00 PM
Previous result: Oregon won, 74-60
Odds of winning: 50%
The Cougars weren’t able to take Oregon down last time, but they have wins over Arizona and UCLA this year and despite losing five of their last seven they could present a good challenge for Altman and the Ducks.
Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
Date: 2/25 at 7:00 PM
Previous result: Oregon won 77-68
Odds of winning: 85%
Oregon State is among the worst teams in the conference, trailing only Cal, and while the rivalry aspect makes this more interesting it’s hard to imagine a loss by the Ducks in this one.
Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-USA TODAY Sports
Date: 3/2 at 8:00 PM
Previous result: Ducks win 87-58
Odds of winning: 97%
Cal is among the worst Power-5 programs of all-time according to KenPom, and a home game for the Ducks after a six day break should be an easy one.
Mandatory Credit: Robert Edwards-USA TODAY Sports
Date: 3/4 at 1:00…
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