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Women’s NCAA Tournament: Aspiring Oregon Ducks Meet Connecticut In Elite Eight

By Justin Phillips

Mar 25, 2017; Bridgeport, CT, USA; Connecticut Huskies head coach Geno Auriemma waits for the officials from the sideline as they take on the UCLA Bruins during the second half in the semifinals of the Bridgeport Regional of the women's 2017 NCAA Tournament at Webster Bank Arena. UConn defeated UCLA 86-71. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 25, 2017; Bridgeport, CT, USA; Connecticut Huskies head coach Geno Auriemma waits for the officials from the sideline as they take on the UCLA Bruins during the second half in the semifinals of the Bridgeport Regional of the women's 2017 NCAA Tournament at Webster Bank Arena. UConn defeated UCLA 86-71. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Oregon Ducks bring NCAA Tournament momentum and a talented team to face Connecticut on Monday.

There are similarities and differences between the Oregon Ducks and the UConn Huskies, but Connecticut is at the top of their game, and have been for the better part of two straight years. They are the powerhouse of Women’s Basketball. Geno Auriemma said recently he is not surprised that they are facing Kelly Graves and the Oregon Ducks, which is a huge compliment.

In just three seasons, the Oregon Ducks Women’s Basketball team has reached the Elite 8 of the NCAA Tournament. Even more impressive is the run they have been on recently beating 2 Seed Duke on their home floor and taking care of business vs 3 Seed Maryland to become the 10 Seed and Cinderella of the 2017 Women’s NCAA Tournament.

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Three Freshman lead the Oregon Ducks with Sabrina Ionescu, Ruthy Hebard, and Mallory McGwire. The Ducks have a big outside presence with Lexi Bando landng close to 50 percent from beyond the arc. Momentum is not on the Oregon side on Monday. Unlike the game at Duke, there will be no empty seats for the final game of the Bridgeport Region.

Turnovers will be costly and will need to be kept to a minimum. Defense which has been solid the last two games will need to be closer to perfect. Facing Connecticut is a right of passage, regardless of the score, and while I would love to see am upset and stranger things have happened in the post season I don’t see it happening.

Geno Auriemma will pass Pat Summit for most NCAA Tournament game wins at 113 with a victory over the Oregon Ducks. However, the game has to be played on the court. Oregon Ducks Head Coach Kelly Graves has had teams in the Tournament before and will have Oregon ready. Even with a loss, keeping the game competitive and close will still be a victory for this team.

Next: Oregon Ducks Outshoot Kansas, Land In Final Four

The Oregon Ducks and UConn Huskies meet for a shot at the Final Four Monday at 4pm Pacific Time on ESPN.