Kwame Evans Jr. Logs Career-Best 23 as Oregon Ducks Downs UC Riverside
Ducks Improve to 3-0 with Road Win
Sophomore guard Kwame Evans Jr. exploded for a career-high 23 points to lead the Oregon Ducks to a 79-58 road victory over the UC Riverside Highlanders on Tuesday night. Evans, who was making his first career start, shot 9-of-13 from the field, including 4-of-7 from three-point range.
Oregon, which improved to 3-0 on the season, also received strong contributions from senior forward Quincy Guerrier and junior guard De'Vion Harmon. Guerrier finished with 16 points and 9 rebounds, while Harmon added 12 points and 5 assists.
The Ducks led by just 7 points at halftime, but they pulled away in the second half thanks to their hot shooting and tough defense. Oregon shot 50% from the field in the second half, including 6-of-12 from three-point range. The Ducks also held UC Riverside to just 36% shooting in the second half.
With the win, Oregon extended its winning streak to three games. The Ducks will return to action on Friday night when they host the Portland State Vikings at Matthew Knight Arena.
Evans Jr. Steps Up in Starting Role
Evans Jr. made the most of his opportunity to start on Tuesday night, putting together the best performance of his young career. The 6-foot-4 guard was efficient from the field, hitting tough shots from all over the court.
Evans Jr.'s performance was a welcome sight for the Ducks, who were without senior guard Will Richardson due to an ankle injury. Richardson is Oregon's leading scorer this season, so Evans Jr.'s ability to step up and fill the void was crucial.
Evans Jr. credited his teammates for helping him to have a successful game. "My teammates did a great job of getting me open looks," Evans Jr. said. "I was just trying to make the most of my opportunities."
Ducks Dominate Second Half
Oregon led by just 7 points at halftime, but the Ducks came out firing in the second half. Oregon shot 50% from the field in the second half, including 6-of-12 from three-point range. The Ducks also held UC Riverside to just 36% shooting in the second half.
The Ducks' defense was particularly impressive in the second half. Oregon forced 9 turnovers and held UC Riverside to just 2-of-11 shooting from three-point range.
Oregon's strong second-half performance was a sign of the team's maturity and resilience. The Ducks were able to weather the storm in the first half and come out with a strong performance in the second half.
Looking Ahead
With the win over UC Riverside, Oregon improved to 3-0 on the season. The Ducks will return to action on Friday night when they host the Portland State Vikings at Matthew Knight Arena.
The Vikings are 2-1 on the season, with wins over Seattle U and Portland Bible College. Portland State is led by senior guard Cameron Parker, who is averaging 19.7 points per game.
The Ducks will be looking to extend their winning streak to four games when they host the Vikings on Friday night.
