Oregon Routs Montana, Improves to 2‑0
EUGENE, Ore. (Interstat) — In a display of overwhelming offensive firepower and defensive pressure, the Oregon Ducks women’s basketball team delivered a commanding performance Saturday, cruising to a 90-47 victory over the visiting Montana Lady Griz at Matthew Knight Arena.
From the opening tip, the Ducks established a pace and physicality that the Lady Griz struggled to match. Oregon’s high-octane attack was relentless, building a double-digit lead in the first quarter and never relenting. The Ducks outscored Montana 21-10 in the opening period and extended their dominance with a 23-point second quarter, taking a 44-18 lead into the halftime break. The Lady Griz managed only eight points in the second quarter, a testament to Oregon’s stifling defensive presence.
The second half offered no respite for Montana. While the Lady Griz found a bit more offensive rhythm, scoring 14 points in the third quarter, Oregon continued to pour it on, adding 20 points of their own. The Ducks saved their most explosive quarter for last, erupting for 26 points in the fourth to seal the lopsided 90-47 final in front of 4,296 fans.
The statistical sheet painted a clear picture of Oregon’s comprehensive dominance. The Ducks’ offense operated with ruthless efficiency inside, outscoring Montana 52-24 in the paint. Oregon also capitalized on Montana’s mistakes, converting turnovers into 23 points, while the Lady Griz managed just 12 points off Oregon’s miscues.
A balanced scoring effort fueled the Oregon victory, with six different players scoring at least seven points. Sofia Bell, a 6-foot-1 freshman from Portland, led the way with a team-high 10 points, adding three rebounds, two assists and two blocked steals in 25 minutes of action. Her all-around performance set the tone on both ends of the floor.
She was joined in double figures by Ehis Etute and Avary Cain. Etute, a 6-foot sophomore from Dudelange, Luxembourg, was a force in the paint, narrowly missing a double-double with 12 points and seven rebounds. Cain, a 6-foot-1 freshman from Santa Maria, California, provided an efficient scoring punch off the bench, contributing 11 points.
The Ducks’ backcourt was equally impactful. Katie Fiso, a 5-foot-11 sophomore from Seattle, orchestrated the offense with a game-high five assists while also chipping in 10 points. Astera Tuhina, a 5-foot-9 sophomore from Prishtina, Kosovo, added six points, three rebounds and three assists. Another key contributor off the bench was Mia Jacobs, a 6-foot-2 freshman from Perth, Australia, who stuffed the stat sheet with seven points, six rebounds and two assists.
The victory improved Oregon’s record to 2-0 to start the young season, following a 100-59 rout of West Georgia on Monday. The loss dropped Montana to an even 1-1 after the Lady Griz opened their campaign with an 81-44 win over Seattle Pacific on Tuesday.
The game’s outcome was hardly a surprise, as Interstat’s ELO system had projected the Ducks with a 95 percent probability to win. Oregon lived up to that billing, showcasing the depth and talent that makes them a formidable opponent early in the season.
For Montana, the game serves as a difficult early-season test against a power-conference opponent. The Lady Griz will have little time to dwell on the loss, as they travel to face another Pac-12 foe, the Washington Huskies, on Monday, Nov. 10. Their schedule remains challenging, with upcoming home games against South Dakota State, BYU and Utah in the following weeks.
Oregon, meanwhile, looks to continue its winning ways as it prepares for a quick turnaround. The Ducks will host Grand Canyon at Matthew Knight Arena on Tuesday, Nov. 11, before a home matchup against Army on Sunday, Nov. 16. The non-conference slate will provide several more tests, including a road game at Auburn and the always-intense Civil War series against in-state rival Oregon State. The Ducks will also face a tough early Pac-12 test when they travel to face Washington State on Nov. 19.
Saturday’s contest was a stark contrast in execution and depth. The Oregon Ducks, with contributions from up and down their roster, demonstrated a level of play that will make them a tough out for any team on their schedule. For the Montana Lady Griz, the game highlighted the areas needing improvement as they navigate a demanding non-conference schedule designed to prepare them for Big Sky Conference play.