LOS ANGELES – The No. 16 ranked Oregon Ducks are gearing up for their second meeting of the season against UCLA, set to tip-off on Thursday, January 30, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. PT. With fans eager to see if the Ducks can avenge their earlier loss to the Bruins, anticipation is high for what promises to be an exciting game.
During their previous encounter this season, UCLA narrowly defeated Oregon 73-71 with a last-second three-pointer. This upcoming rematch marks another opportunity for the Ducks to rewrite the narrative of their rivalry against the Bruins, where historically, they have struggled with a record of 42 wins to 95 losses against UCLA.
Under the leadership of head coach Dana Altman, who boasts a 16-14 record against UCLA, the Ducks have shown tenacity and improvement this season. Recently, Oregon showcased their skills by defeating Washington for the 124th time, achieving their third consecutive win on January 21, 2025. The standout performance by TJ Bamba, scoring over 20 points, is indicative of the team’s potential.
On their previous road victories, the Ducks have demonstrated resilience and team depth. They achieved significant wins against Penn State and Ohio State earlier this month, with each game marked by outstanding displays of teamwork. Against Penn State on January 12, Oregon secured 82 points, with six players scoring in double figures. This marks the first time since the 2021-22 season this has occurred, signaling their balanced offensive strategy.
Notably, Jackson Shelstad’s performance has been remarkable, particularly during the game against Ohio State, where he scored 24 points, earning him recognition for his scoring ability and playmaking skills. Alongside teammate Nate Bittle, who added 21 points, they became the first duo on the team to each score over 20 points this season. Such performances have cemented their roles as pivotal players for the Ducks.
Heading back to UCLA, the Ducks find themselves not only aiming for revenge following their earlier defeat but also striving to extend their current streak of impressive road performances. They are currently 4-0 on the road this season, showcasing their capability to compete under pressure.
For this highly anticipated game, fans can catch the action live on FS1 or listen to the radio broadcast on KUJZ 95.3 FM or KFXX 1080 AM. The importance of this game goes beyond just the scoreboard; it is about pride, bracket positioning, and the ever-important momentum as they proceed through the season.
With both teams having exchanged wins last season — each winning on their home court — the stakes are higher for this year. Oregon’s victory against UCLA during the Pac-12 tournament last season (a narrow 68-66 win) is still fresh in the minds of both teams, adding another layer of intensity to the upcoming matchup.
Fans can expect fierce competition as both teams bring their best players and strategies to the court. Oregon's defensive strategy will likely play a pivotal role, especially since they have held their opponents to shooting under 20% from three-point range, particularly highlighted against Washington, where they limited the Huskies to just 4-of-21 from deep.
UCLA, known for its tenacious play and historical prowess, will look to leverage their home advantage. The Ducks, meanwhile, are on the hunt for redemption and eager to continue proving themselves against quality opponents.
The countdown is on as the Oregon Ducks prepare to face UCLA, with tips-off fast approaching. Will the Ducks claim victory and end their series misfortunes against their rivals? Basketball fans across the nation will be watching to find out.