Trail Blazers fans recently expressed their gratitude for Damian Lillard, and the team capitalized on Joel Embiid’s absence, securing a notable 130-104 victory against Philadelphia. Meanwhile, Oregon Ducks women’s basketball faced a tough battle, narrowly losing 64-60 to No. 18 Oregon State. The defeat marks the Ducks’ fifth consecutive loss, raising questions about their performance under coach Kelly Graves. With a current Pac-12 standing of 2-8 and tied for last place, Graves remains hopeful about the team’s potential while acknowledging the challenges ahead.
The Ducks tied the game at 41 early in the fourth quarter and on four more occasions cut the Beavers’ lead to one. They could have done it again with 12 seconds left, but Phillipina Kyei, who scored 16 points and pulled down 18 rebounds, split a pair of free throws, giving OSU an opening to seal the win with two free throws from Talia von Oelhoffen. Kyei, Chance Gray, and Grace VanSlooten combined for 45 points, showcasing the potential to lead the Ducks to victories. However, the article emphasizes the unpredictable nature of rivalry games and the challenge faced by the Ducks against Oregon State. It delves into the team’s recent struggles, shedding light on the pressure Graves faces to rejuvenate the program and the uncertainties surrounding its future in the highly competitive college sports landscape.
