By Don Smalley

DSN Contributor

Going into the Nebraska game, we all heard how the Cornhuskers were a lower-level Big XII team and even though it’s a game on the road that was on a neutral floor, Oregon would have an easy time of it.

But the Ducks put themselves in adverse situations and the result was the second loss of the year.

Nebraska jumped out to an early 9-0 lead and the Ducks had to play catch-up for the entire game. When a team is battling a deficit the entire time, the energy level is drained quickly. This “strategy” worked at Kansas St., but Oregon failed to overcome the deficit.

It seemed like the Ducks were not on the same page and were standing around and watching too much. Oregon needs to play as a team. The Ducks have been great in recent years at playing as a unit and making the extra pass for the wide-open shot.

That kind of offense didn’t happen too many times in Omaha. On many possessions, the Ducks were watching Tajuan Porter dribble around and then make a wild three-point shot as the shot clock was winding down. Today, he made several of these shots and that was the only reason why the Ducks were even in the game.

Despite all of that, Porter’s last wild shot with nine seconds left tied the game and he had the chance to give Oregon the lead with the free throw. Porter, who had missed nine free throws all season a year ago, missed his 10^th free throw and the game went into overtime.

So why isn’t Porter automatic any more? A friend of mine pointed out that Porter might be in a strength program and his muscles are changing, which is why he is having troubles from the line. He hasn’t adjusted to the change in his body yet.

Losing this game won’t be the end of the world for the Ducks. Although Nebraska will be their last true test before the Pac-10 season starts where every game will be a test. But you never want an opportunity to slip away, but the Ducks did just that.

There were some bright points from this game. Malik Hairston had his best game of the year so far by pouring in 25 points, including 8-of-9 from the charity stripe. Porter, despite his free throw line problems, was hitting his shots. But he was forcing up too many shots.

But they were the only two players who were consistent. Bryce Taylor, Joevan Catron and Maarty Leunen were not big enough offensive threats. Oregon needs more than two go-to guys, especially when the conference season starts.

Tags: Basketball, Don Smalley, Ducks, University of Oregon