Oregon Upsets Arizona to Advance to Pac-12 Basketball Tournament Championship

In a stunning turn of events, the Oregon Ducks pulled off a major upset, defeating top-seeded Arizona 67-59 in the Pac-12 basketball tournament semifinal. The victory puts Oregon within one win of securing the conference championship and a coveted spot in the NCAA Tournament.

Jackson Shelstad and Jermaine Couisnard led the charge for the Ducks in the second half, combining for 30 points and spearheading a remarkable comeback. Despite trailing 33-23 at halftime, Oregon rallied in the second half with a dominant 44-26 performance.

The absence of center N'Faly Dante, who suffered a back injury early in the game, initially shook the Ducks' composure. However, they managed to stay in the contest with some fortunate missed shots by Arizona. Dante's return to the court proved crucial as he contributed 14 points, 10 rebounds, four blocks, and three steals, playing a vital role in the team's victory.

Couisnard, battling through a sore left shoulder, showcased his leadership by scoring 20 points and providing seven assists. His performance epitomized the tough mentality that has become synonymous with the Ducks. Shelstad, a freshman, struggled in the first half but came alive in the second, scoring seven consecutive points during a crucial Oregon run.

Both Couisnard and Shelstad showcased their three-point shooting prowess, sinking important shots down the stretch. Their high-level play propelled Oregon to a lead that Arizona ultimately failed to overcome. Oumar Ballo and Pelle Larsson tried to mount a late rally for Arizona, but it was not enough to close the gap.

With this victory over Arizona, Oregon has notched its best win of the season and only its second against an NCAA Tournament-bound team. The Ducks, currently ranked 67th in NET rankings, understand that their journey to the NCAA Tournament hinges on winning the conference championship and securing the automatic berth.

Looking ahead, the Ducks will face No. 3 seed Colorado in the Pac-12 tournament championship in a bid to secure their spot in the NCAA Tournament. Coach Dana Altman acknowledged the challenge that lies ahead and stressed the need for consistent, exceptional play from his team.

As for Arizona, they now await their seeding in the upcoming NCAA Tournament, which will be announced on Sunday. Despite the loss, head coach Tommy Lloyd commended Oregon's resilience in the face of adversity and praised Dante's character and toughness.

The stage is set for an intense championship showdown as Oregon seeks to secure a long-awaited return to the Big Dance. With their fate on the line, the Ducks are prepared to give their all in a final push for NCAA Tournament glory.