University of Oregon
10-7, 2-3
Arizona
12-4, 1-3
Long Range Shooting Lifts Ducks Over UA, 87-73
01/13/12 | Women's Basketball
EUGENE, Ore.- True freshman Lexi Petersen recorded a career-high 17 points to propel the University of Oregon to a 87-73 victory over the University of Arizona in Thursday night Pac-12 action at Matthew Knight Arena.
Petersen came in for senior Nia Jackson, who was experiencing knee problems to begin the second half, and took over point guard duties for the Ducks.
Although Oregon (10-7, 2-3) took a 21-point advantage into the half, the Wildcats (12-4, 1-3) chipped away at the UO lead by scoring eight straight points at the start of the second before sophomore Danielle Love drained a lay-up to give Oregon a 49-34 lead at the 16:59 minute mark.
The Wildcats were able to cut the lead down to 10 points with a little over 10 minutes left in play behind the hot shooting of Erin Butler, who had a game-high 23 points for UA. Butler became the 11th opposing player over the past 12 games to knock down at least five three pointers against the Ducks.
Both teams battled back and forth with the Wildcats getting as close as nine points on three separate occasions, but it was not enough to cause Oregon to lose control of a game that they never trailed in.
In addition to Petersen's 17, Jasmin Holliday and Ariel Thomas both finished with 16 points as Holliday set a new career-high knocking down four three-pointers. Freshman Jordan Loera and Love added 12 and 11 points, respectively. Freshman Liz Brenner led the Ducks with a team-high 11 rebounds.
The Ducks knocked down 10 first-half three-pointers - the most in a half this season - and headed into the locker room with a commanding 47-26 halftime lead after shooting 51.5 percent (17-of-33) from the floor.
Holliday led all scorers with 16 points in the first half, shooting 6-of-8 from the floor and 4-of-6 from long distance.
After building a 24-5 lead with 11:28 to play, Arizona manufactured a 9-0 run to close 24-14 before a Loera three-pointer at the 8:57 mark ended the Ducks' cold streak.
The Wildcats were led by Butler's nine points and three three-pointers in the first half, and closed within nine, 32-23, with 6:55 to play.
Oregon responded by ending the half on a 15-3 run, as Thomas and sophomore Deanna Weaver combined to knock down three treys.
The Ducks return to action on Saturday, hosting Arizona State at 2 p.m. at Matthew Knight Arena.
Notes: Arizona did not record its first field goal until the 14:25 mark of the first half on an Erica Barnes lay-up...Jasmin Holliday's four three-pointers were a new career high, and she is also now tied for 10th all-time at Oregon with 88 career blocks...Oregon's 10 first-half three-pointers are the most the Ducks have knocked down in a half this season...freshman Lexi Petersen scored a career-high 17 points and also recorded career highs in free throws (9), free throw attempts (10), assists (4) and rebounds (4)...Liz Brenner recorded a career-high 11 rebounds...Jordan Loera grabbed a career-high seven rebounds...Oregon was without Amanda Johnson for the eighth straight game (fractured thumb), and was without Nia Jackson for the second half due to knee trouble...Thursday marked the sixth time the Ducks have knocked down at least 10 treys...Arizona became the ninth opponent to hit over 10 shots from long range.
Promotions: Arizona State, Jan. 14 - Social Media Day Purchase $3 GA tickets through the promo code on the Oregon Facebook page, and gain Mac Club access. Players will also be available for post-game autographs.
