Bamba Shines as No. 15 Oregon Secures 82-71 Victory Over Washington

TJ Bamba led the charge with 21 points as No. 15 Oregon defeated Washington 82-71 on Tuesday night, earning a crucial Big Ten win at Matthew Knight Arena. Brandon Angel added 15 points, while Supreme Cook contributed 13 for the Ducks, who improved to 16-3 overall and 5-3 in conference play.

Oregon showcased efficient offense, shooting 51% from the field, and dominated the boards with a 37-24 rebounding advantage. Jackson Shelstad and Keeshawn Barthelemy chipped in 11 points each, while Nate Bittle anchored the interior with 11 rebounds.

For Washington (10-9, 1-7), Great Osobor delivered a strong performance with 20 points and eight rebounds, while Vazoumana Diallo added 18. Despite a valiant effort, the Huskies fell short as their Big Ten struggles continued with a fifth consecutive loss.

The game was tightly contested for much of the second half. Osobor’s basket tied the score at 62 with 5:49 remaining, but Oregon responded with a decisive 6-0 run. Bamba sank two free throws, Angel added a mid-range jumper, and Cook scored inside to give the Ducks a 68-62 lead with 4:10 left.

Washington briefly narrowed the gap to 68-64 on another Osobor basket, but Oregon quickly regained control with five straight points, effectively sealing the game.

Key Takeaways

Oregon: The Ducks secured a vital home win after losing three of their first four Big Ten home games. With a perfect 8-0 record away from Matthew Knight Arena, Oregon’s upcoming stretch of four road games in their next five contests could favor them.

Washington: The Huskies’ grueling schedule against ranked opponents has seen them drop five straight conference games. However, they now face a lighter slate, with their next eight games against unranked teams, including three of their next four at home.

Key Stats

• Oregon outrebounded Washington 37-24, including 10 offensive boards that led to second-chance points.
• A critical 6-0 run midway through the second half gave Oregon the lead for good after trailing 58-55 earlier.

Next Up

Washington: The Huskies return home to host UCLA on Friday.
Oregon: The Ducks hit the road to face Minnesota on Saturday.

Oregon’s ability to close out games and dominate key stretches was evident in this win, positioning them as a strong contender in the Big Ten despite early conference setbacks.