- Oregon's Jackson Shelstad scores 17 points with 15 in the first half
- Ducks hold Liberty to 22% three-point shooting and a 32-point deficit
- Head coach Dana Altman extends perfect first-round NCAA Tournament record
- Oregon to face Arizona in second round after both teams dominate openers
The Oregon Ducks delivered a masterclass in March Madness execution, overwhelming Liberty 81-52 in their NCAA Tournament opener. From the opening tip, Oregon leveraged its significant size advantage to establish an 18-2 lead within minutes, setting the tone for a game that would showcase their defensive intensity and balanced scoring.
Freshman guard Jackson Shelstad emerged as an early star, scoring 15 of his team-high 17 points before halftime. The Ducks' frontcourt proved equally dominant, with center Nate Bittle recording a double-double (14 points, 10 rebounds) that highlighted Oregon's 42-26 rebounding advantage. Defensive pressure forced Liberty into contested perimeter shots, with the Flames converting just 8 of 37 attempts from beyond the arc.
Oregon's tournament experience shone through as they became the first team in 15 years to hold a conference champion under 55 points in the NCAA Tournament. The victory extends head coach Dana Altman's perfect 9-0 record in first-round games at Oregon, underscoring his program's consistency in March Madness preparation.
The Ducks now prepare for a high-stakes Pac-12 reunion against Arizona, marking their shortest NCAA Tournament travel in recent history. Oregon's 230-mile trip to Seattle contrasts sharply with their 2,250-mile journey to the Big Ten Tournament, suggesting potential fatigue factors in their earlier conference playoff exit.
Three critical insights emerge from this dominant performance: First, Oregon's ability to adapt to conference realignment challenges positions them as a dangerous tournament dark horse. Second, their combination of veteran leadership and freshman talent creates unique matchup problems. Third, the team's proximity to Seattle provides a tangible home-court advantage rarely seen in neutral-site tournament play.
As March Madness progresses, Oregon's depth and defensive identity make them a legitimate threat to reach their first Final Four since 2017. With four players boasting previous tournament experience and a coaching staff that's navigated 13 Sweet Sixteen appearances collectively, the Ducks embody the postseason readiness that defines championship contenders.