Men and Women both looking like they’ve lost their way.
It’s no secret how much of a hoops enthusiast I am. Over my years at ATQ I’ve essentially whined my way into a good amount of Basketball coverage. March Madness is my favorite sporting event of the year.
Last season, both Oregon Men and Women punched their tickets to the Big Dance, both also advancing past the first round. Fun stuff for sure.
Right now, it’s unlikely either will be back in that same situation.
On the Men’s side, we pretty much were assured this would be a lost season early in January. Not only had Oregon not figured out how to play any form of consistent ball, but their biggest star players, Nate Bittle and Jackson Shelstad, would both miss significant time, the latter likely out for the year.
Dana Altman’s streak of 20 win seasons is dead, so go ahead and bury it. While you’re at it, you should probably throw any chance of even playing in the postseason into the coffin.
On the Women’s side, there had been a significantly higher amount of hope.
Lately, not so much.
The ladies actually got off to a hot start, but have since faded into a 2-6 conference record, which won’t do them any favors, as tourney teams generally need to be above .500 in conference even with a tough schedule. Against Minnesota Wednesday, the team looked flat, and the defeat was more sound than the final score indicated.
The Gophers, unlike some of the tougher opponents the women have lost to, are only 4-4 in conference after the win.
There’s at least still a chance for the Women to make a push, but we’re almost into February and they’ve got a good amount of ground to cover.
Not the funnest thing in the world to cover, but how else am I supposed to get through the winter?
Maybe it’s time to catch an Oregon Hockey game…
Category: General Sports
