Ducks down Utah Valley to stay perfect

After a quick start but a sluggish first half, Oregon came out on top, beating Utah Valley 69-53. The Ducks still don't have Ben Carter or Dominic Artis due to selling gear; they will be out for 7 more games. Still, the Ducks had no problem getting the job done or lack any talent on the floor.

Oregon started off strong, hitting three back to back 3-pointers, getting the crowd fired up. Young had a great steal leading to a dunk extending their lead to 13 points. Toward the last four minutes of the first the Ducks let off the gas on Utah Valley letting them back into the game allowing 14 points to Oregon's 5.

The Ducks came right back applying pressure in the 2nd half extending their lead and control of the game. Utah Valley kept very physical in the paint with the lack of height down low. Ducks capitalized on the size difference in the second half scoring 28 points in the paint.

Oregon was creating a lot of problems for Utah forcing turnovers left and right. Utah Valley's offence struggled to operate as Oregon had 27 points off turnovers, despite the 27 points off turn overs the Ducks were not happy with their defense.

"Keeping focus on defense. Our main focal point needs to be defense" said senior guard Jason Calliste after the game.

Though the Ducks defense wasn't exactly the best Altman found some positive points.

"There were some bright spots but we aren't taking care of the fundamentals, said head coach Dana Altman. "Joe (Young) in particular had some steals that lead to easy baskets, we had good opportunities."

Joseph Young had a big night scoring 20 points and 3 steals. Johnathan Loyd came in with 12 points and Mike Moser had 9 boards and 8 points, 2 for 3 from beyond the arc.

The Ducks play San Francisco on the 24th at home in Eugene. Tipoff is set for 5:00 pm. The game will be televised on Pac-12 Network.