Oregon’s basketball game against UCLA, scheduled for 12 o’clock notice, will not take place on time. DuckTerrritory learned that the game was “paused for a developing situation”. Pac-12 expected to play the game in the late afternoon, but canceled the game just two hours after the delay.
The Pac-12 conference released a statement,
“Today UCLA vs Oregon Men – Basketball the game was postponed indefinitely due to the COVID-19 testing protocols for game officials. Pac-12 will work with both programs to try to find a mutually acceptable date for rescheduling the contest. “
In alerting viewers that the game would not start on time, ESPN2 reported that a game official had tested positive.
UCLA Bruins are looking for Eugene and Oregon coach Dana Altman knows that this may be the toughest game of the year in Oregon.
“Their experience is very good,” said Altman.
“They have everyone back. They go nine deep, ten deep with experience. Physicality. They are very talented.”
The Ducks will play their second game without N’Faly Dante, after the Oregon pivot was lost this season due to a torn ACL last week. The size of UCLA will be a big factor in this game, as the Ducks are likely to start a lineup that does not include anyone over 1.80 m, and UCLA has several attackers and physical centers.
“The two guys inside, [Cody] Riley and [Jalen] Hill will give us problems inside without Dante.
Hill and Riley are over six feet tall and play an aggressive physical style, and surpass anyone the Ducks put in the center on Wednesday night. Both players have initial and career experience and were four star former recruits who left high school.
In essence, the Bruins go on as senior guard Chris Smith. The 6-foot-9 winger opted to move into the NBA in the past off season and returned to Westwood for a chance to improve his NBA Draft inventory. He is one of the main players in the conference and in the country.
“When he’s playing well, it’s more difficult,” said Altman. “He is very versatile. He can score from the inside, he can shoot in three. He is a nightmare of that size. Without a doubt, he is the key to what they are doing. When he plays well, the team plays well. “