Oregon Ducks’ Defense Ready to Shine Against Weber State

The Oregon Ducks are rolling into their last nonconference game of the season on Sunday with a ton of momentum. Ranked No. 9 in the country, the Ducks (11-1) are hosting the Weber State Wildcats (6-7) in Eugene, and all eyes are on Oregon’s elite defense to deliver yet again.

Oregon’s Defense Steals the Show

If there’s one thing that defines Oregon this season, it’s their defense. Head coach Dana Altman has crafted a system that’s frustrating opponents and racking up wins.

The Ducks are:

• Holding teams to just 39.6% shooting from the field.
• Limiting 3-point shooting to 29.6%.
• Forcing 13.3 turnovers per game.

Their recent win over Stanford was a perfect example of how their defense sets the tone. Oregon’s full-court press made life miserable for the Cardinal, who shot just 37.1% from the floor and 26.7% from deep.

“For a long time we defended pretty well, we were hoping our press would take their rhythm away, and for the most part, it did.” –Dana Altman

Key players on defense include:

• Keeshawn Barthelemy and TJ Bamba, who are averaging 1.7 and 1.6 steals per game, respectively.
• Nathan Bittle, a shot-blocking machine with 22 blocks this season (1.8 per game).

Weber State’s Struggles on Offense

On the other side, Weber State has had a bumpy ride this season, especially on offense. The Wildcats have struggled to shoot consistently from 3-point range, failing to hit 30% from deep in six games this year.

In their most recent loss to Utah Valley, Weber State shot just 25% from beyond the arc and went more than nine minutes in the second half without a field goal.

“We’ve got to trust each other more offensively right now,” said head coach Eric Duft. “It’s not about selfishness; it’s about finding rhythm and moving the ball better.”

While the Wildcats have talent, they haven’t found the cohesion they need. Nigel Burris is their standout performer, dropping 17 points and grabbing 10 rebounds against Utah Valley. But without more support from the rest of the team, Weber State has struggled to stay competitive against tougher opponents.

Why This Game Matters

1. For Oregon:
   This is a chance for the Ducks to lock in their defense and get ready for Big Ten competition. They’ve already proven themselves against strong teams like Texas A&M, Alabama, and former Pac-12 rivals USC and Stanford.
2. For Weber State:
   It’s a tough matchup, but games like these are all about preparation for Big Sky play. Weber State has shown flashes of potential—they just need to bring it together.

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What to Watch

• Oregon’s Pressure Defense: Can Weber State handle the Ducks’ relentless full-court press? History suggests it’s going to be a long night for the Wildcats if they can’t move the ball quickly.
• Weber State’s Offense: Will the Wildcats improve their ball movement and shooting, or will Oregon’s defense shut them down?
• Nigel Burris vs. Oregon’s Defense: Burris has been Weber State’s most consistent player. He’ll need a big game to keep things close.

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Final Thoughts

This game looks like another chance for Oregon to show why they’re one of the best defensive teams in college basketball. Weber State, meanwhile, will need to dig deep to find some offensive rhythm and take something positive into conference play.

Whether it’s a defensive clinic from the Ducks or a breakout game for the Wildcats, there’s plenty to watch as both teams wrap up their nonconference schedules.