EUGENE, Ore. – Nate Bittle’s 20 points led a balanced Oregon attack as the Ducks defeated Wisconsin 85-71 on Wednesday night, securing their second consecutive win and a third victory in their last four games after a challenging ten-game losing streak.
The Ducks (11-17, 4-13 Big Ten) found their rhythm offensively, shooting 52% from the field and an impressive 71% in the second half. That second-half surge proved crucial in holding off a Wisconsin team that struggled with turnovers and a hot Oregon shooting performance.
Takai Simpkins contributed 17 points to the Oregon cause, while Kwame Evans Jr. Added 16 points and a season-high four blocks, showcasing his defensive impact. Wei Lin rounded out the double-digit scorers with 13 points.
A pivotal moment came with 6:24 remaining, when Sean Stewart ignited an 11-2 run with two emphatic dunks, extending Oregon’s lead to 11 points. Wisconsin attempted to close the gap, with Nick Boyd hitting a jump shot and John Blackwell following with a three-pointer. A brief exchange of three-pointers between Simpkins and Braeden Carrington kept the Badgers within striking distance, but they were unable to mount a sustained comeback.
Wisconsin (19-9, 11-6) saw John Blackwell lead their scoring with 22 points, while Nick Boyd finished with 11 points and seven assists. However, the Badgers’ offensive strategy, heavily reliant on three-point shooting, proved ultimately ineffective. They attempted a program-record 45 three-pointers, surpassing their previous high of 40 set twice before – against Providence on November 27th and against Temple in 2001.
Oregon’s first lead of the game arrived midway through the first half, fueled by a 13-2 run orchestrated by Wei Lin, who scored nine points during the stretch, giving the Ducks a 25-23 advantage. Earlier in the half, Wisconsin had established a 19-10 lead through a series of baskets from Winter and Boyd, capped by a three-point play from Rapp.
Turnovers proved to be a significant factor in the outcome. Wisconsin committed 12 turnovers, nine of which occurred in the second half, allowing Oregon to capitalize with 24 points off those miscues. The Ducks’ ability to convert turnovers into points was a key component of their victory.
The game highlighted Oregon’s improved offensive efficiency, particularly in the second half. Their 71% shooting percentage after halftime demonstrated a focused and effective attack. Wisconsin’s reliance on the three-point shot, while a consistent part of their offensive identity, ultimately didn’t yield the desired results against a determined Oregon defense.
Looking ahead, Wisconsin will travel to Washington for a Saturday matchup. Oregon, meanwhile, will visit Northwestern on Saturday, hoping to continue their recent momentum and build on this important win. The victory provides a much-needed boost for the Ducks as they navigate the remainder of the Big Ten schedule.
This win for Oregon isn’t just about snapping a losing streak; it’s about demonstrating a growing resilience and offensive capability. While still facing an uphill battle in the Big Ten standings, the Ducks are showing signs of improvement at a crucial point in the season. For Wisconsin, the loss serves as a reminder that even a strong three-point shooting team needs a more balanced offensive approach to consistently succeed against tough opponents.
