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Women’s NCAA Tournament: Oregon Ducks Season Ends vs Connecticut

By Justin Phillips

Mar 27, 2017; Bridgeport, CT, USA; Connecticut Huskies head coach Geno Auriemma (L) talks with Oregon Ducks head coach Kelly Graves (R) prior to the Bridgeport Regional of the women's 2017 NCAA Tournament at Webster Bank Arena. UConn defeated Oregon 90-52. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 27, 2017; Bridgeport, CT, USA; Connecticut Huskies head coach Geno Auriemma (L) talks with Oregon Ducks head coach Kelly Graves (R) prior to the Bridgeport Regional of the women's 2017 NCAA Tournament at Webster Bank Arena. UConn defeated Oregon 90-52. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Oregon Ducks got more than they could handle with a Defensive Minded and better Connecticut Huskies team on Monday night.

It was clear after the first quarter that Connecticut was playing at a different level, one that the Oregon Ducks could easily aspire to in the coming seasons. After a quarter it was 28-13 UConn and the number one team in the country was cruising to what would be a 90-52 victory over Kelly Graves and the team that made it further than they ever have before in the NCAA Tournament,

Oregon saw two players in double figures with Sabrina Ionescu adding 15 points. Ruthy Hebard added twelve. The Ducks were forced into 22 turnovers on the night and too add insult to injury, UConn was efficient on both ends of the floor with 16 steals and 21 assists in the Elite 8. Regardless of the outcome what this team has accomplished this season is remarkable.

The team was led by three Freshman in Ruthy Hebard, Sabrina Ionescu and Mallory McGwire who started a good part of the season together. It’s a pretty good nucleus to build on for next year. The Elite 8 is also the highest this team has ever been. It was nice to be standing on the peak knowing they have the talent to be competitive and get back sooner rather than later.

Next: Oregon Ducks Outshoot Kansas, Land In Final Four

The off season begins for the Oregon Women’s Basketball team, but Graves has to be happy with what was accomplished in just his third season at the helm. Next season has a chance to again be special for this team.