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Can Oregon Ducks' Defense Outshine USC Trojans at Galen Center?

The Oregon Ducks emerged victorious in a closely contested match against the USC Trojans, with a final score of 71-70. This win brings the Ducks to a record of 15-10, while the Trojans now stand at 14-11. The game was held at the Galen Center in Los Angeles, where both teams showcased their competitive spirit.


Feb 21, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Oregon Ducks guard Drew Carter (12) dribbles the ball against Southern California Trojans guard Alijah Arenas (0) in the first half at Galen Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

First Half


The first half saw an intense battle as both teams exchanged leads multiple times. The Ducks managed to secure a slight edge by halftime with a score of 35 points compared to the Trojans' 32. Efe Vatan played a crucial role for the Quack Attack, contributing significantly on defense with his ability to block shots and disrupt plays.


Second Half


In the second half, Oregon's defense continued to shine as they recorded five blocks and ten steals throughout the game. Nate Bittle was instrumental in maintaining this defensive pressure while also adding valuable points in critical moments. Despite facing strong resistance from SC's offense, which scored 38 points in this period, Oregon managed to hold their ground.


Feb 21, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Oregon Ducks center Nate Bittle (32) shoots the ball against Southern California Trojans forward Jacob Cofie (6) in the first half at Galen Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Key Plays


A pivotal moment came when Jamari Phillips executed an impressive steal leading to fast-break points that shifted momentum back towards Oregon during a crucial phase of play. This sequence highlighted one of several game-changing plays Oregon Ducks vs USC Trojans that ultimately influenced the outcome.


Conclusion


The narrow victory for Oregon was marked by effective teamwork and strategic defensive maneuvers that kept them ahead despite numerous lead changes throughout this tightly contested encounter. For fans interested in more detailed insights into how each team performed overall during these matchups can refer back through our comprehensive post-game thoughts on Oregon Ducks vs USC Trojans match summary available here today!


Feb 21, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Oregon Ducks guard Takai Simpkins (5) dunks the ball against Southern California Trojans guard Alijah Arenas (0) in the first half at Galen Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Looking ahead: The next challenge awaits as they prepare themselves against Wisconsin Badgers scheduled February 25th at Matthew Knight Arena located Eugene OR USA starting promptly around evening hours broadcast live via BTN network channel so don't miss out! Share your excitement about upcoming games among fellow enthusiasts today!

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