Oregon Ducks Men's Basketball overpowers Montana

Ducks start season strong with dominant performance

The Oregon Ducks men's basketball team opened their 2023-24 season with a convincing 83-59 victory over the Montana Grizzlies on Monday night at Matthew Knight Arena.

The Ducks were led by senior forward Quincy Guerrier, who finished with 16 points and 10 rebounds. Senior guard De'Vion Harmon added 15 points, while junior guard Will Richardson chipped in 14 points.

Montana was led by senior forward Josh Bannan, who finished with 14 points and 8 rebounds. Junior guard Brandon Whitney added 12 points.

The Ducks shot 48.5% from the field, including 38.5% from three-point range. Montana shot just 36.4% from the field, including 21.1% from three-point range.

The Ducks also outrebounded the Grizzlies 42-32.

Oregon's dominance in the paint

One of the key factors in Oregon's victory was their dominance in the paint. The Ducks outscored Montana 36-20 in the paint.

Guerrier was a force inside for the Ducks, scoring 10 of his 16 points in the paint. Harmon also chipped in 8 points in the paint.

Montana's Bannan was the only Grizzly to score more than 2 points in the paint.

Oregon's defense stifles Montana

Another key factor in Oregon's victory was their defense. The Ducks held Montana to just 36.4% shooting from the field, including 21.1% from three-point range.

Oregon's defense was particularly effective in the second half, holding Montana to just 27.3% shooting from the field.

The Ducks also forced 14 Montana turnovers.

What's next for Oregon?

The Ducks will return to action on Friday, November 11, when they host Portland State at Matthew Knight Arena.

Montana will return to action on Wednesday, November 9, when they host Lewis-Clark State at Dahlberg Arena.