In a challenging match-up on Sunday, the Oregon Ducks Women’s Basketball team faced a setback against the Washington State Cougars, succumbing to a 61-71 defeat. Despite a standout performance by Phillipina Kyei, who recorded a career-high 23 points, the Ducks were unable to overcome the persistent advantage maintained by the Cougars throughout the game. The Ducks encountered a rocky start in the first quarter, failing to find their rhythm as they missed their first six shots and struggled from the floor, managing only a 2-12 field goal record.
Photo Cred: Oregon Live
Kyei spearheaded the offensive efforts for Oregon, accounting for all eight points scored by the team in the quarter with a 2-4 field goal performance and a perfect 4-4 from the free-throw line. While Washington State also faced challenges in scoring, managing only 10 points in the first quarter, they surged ahead in the second quarter, mounting an 11-0 run that tested the Ducks’ resilience. Oregon managed to claw back, narrowing the gap to five points by halftime.
The Cougars seized control in the third quarter with a commanding 14-3 run, punctuated by seven consecutive successful shots, extending their lead significantly. A buzzer-beating three-pointer from Eleonora Villa capped off the quarter with a score of 51-35 in favor of Washington State. Despite a late resurgence by Oregon, highlighted by a 10-2 run that brought them within single digits with four minutes remaining, the Ducks faltered in the final stretch, allowing the Cougars to secure a 10-point victory.
Photo Cred: Oregon Live
Phillipina Kyei led the charge for Oregon with an impressive double-double, tallying 23 points and 15 rebounds, further solidifying her position as a standout player in the conference with 19 double-doubles for the season. Grace VanSlooten contributed 16 points, while Kennedy Basham added 14, earning praise from Oregon coach Kelly Graves for their resilience and performance. On the opposing side, Astera Tuhina led the scoring for the Cougars with 24 points, followed closely by Eleonora Villa with 20 points.
Washington State showcased their prowess from behind the arc, shooting an impressive 6-10, while Oregon struggled, managing only a 1-6 record from three-point range. Looking ahead, the Oregon Ducks Women’s team will return home to Matthew Knight Arena on Thursday to face the Cal Golden Bears. Meanwhile, the Washington State Cougars will hit the road to Utah to take on the #18 Utes, aiming to build on their momentum from the victory against Oregon.
