Oregon’s basketball game against UCLA, set for a 12:00 p.m. tip, is not happening on time. DuckTerrritory learned that the game was “paused for a development situation”. Pac-12 was hoping to make the game later this afternoon, but canceled the matchup just two hours after the delay.
The Pac-12 Conference issued a statement
“Today UCLA vs. Oregon men’s basketball the game has been postponed indefinitely due to COVID-19 test protocols for gaming officials. Pac-12 will work with both programs to try to find a mutually agreeable date to rearrange the competition. “
When ESPN2 warned viewers that the game would not start on time, it reported that an official game had tested positive.
The UCLA Bruins are coming to Eugene, and Oregon coach Dana Altman knows this might be Oregon’s toughest game to date.
“Their experience is very good,” Altman said.
“They all have left. They go nine deep, 10 deep with experience. Physicality. They are very talented.”
The Ducks play their second game without N’Faly Dante after Oregon’s starting center was lost for the season due to a torn ACL last week. UCLA’s size will be a big factor for this game, as the Ducks are likely to start a lineup that does not include anyone over 6 feet 6, and UCLA has more physical attackers and centers.
“The two guys inside, [Cody] Riley and [Jalen] Hill gives us trouble inside without Dante.
Hill and Riley are both taller than 6 feet 9 and play an aggressive, physical style and will outweigh any that the Ducks place mid-Wednesday night. Both players have starting experience and in their careers and were former four-star recruits who came out of high school.
To their core goes the Bruins as senior guard Chris Smith goes. The 6-foot-9 wing chose to pass the NBA this past offseason and returned to Westwood for a chance to improve on his NBA draft. He is one of the best players in the conference and the country.
“When he plays well, it’s harder,” Altman said. “He’s very versatile. He can score inside, he can shoot three. He’s a match nightmare with that size. He’s without a doubt the key to what they do. When he plays well, the team plays well.”