Michigan Basketball vs. Oregon: Q&A With Ducks Expert

Michigan basketball is playing in the Sweet 16 Thursday night against Oregon in Kansas City. To get ready, we exchanged a Q&A with a Ducks expert.

As weird as it may seem because of some of the extreme low points experienced at times, Michigan basketball is the only team to make three Sweet 16 appearances since the 2013 NCAA tournament.

Considering the competition, that’s pretty good. Considering some of the things people have said about the Wolverines as recently as a couple months ago, it’s downright incredible.

Michigan’s going to be squaring off with the Oregon Ducks for only the fifth time; the Wolverines own a 4-0 record, and three of the games have been played on neutral floors (though they’ve never met in the NCAA tournament).

A look at what Oregon’s all about shows a team that’s got a couple really good playmakers and also a team that’s likely going to attack the offensive glass aggressively.

In order to get to know the Ducks even better, though, who better to turn to than someone who’s been chronicling the team’s journey all season?

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For that, we go to Justin Phillips of Autzen Zoo. We asked five questions, he gave five answers.

1. Most Michigan fans are in the Midwest, so we don’t get great exposure to teams like Oregon. What’s something you feel like we should definitely know before Thursday night?

Both teams were able to handle their business for the most part in their respective conferences this season. Oregon has postseason experience and has been to the NCAA Tournament the last five seasons.

The Ducks had their “bad” game against Rhode Island. Typically when you have a poor shooting game in the Tourney, you don’t win, but Oregon showed poise to get back into the game down 11 points at halftime.

If it comes down to a final shot, the ball will be in the hands of Dillon Brooks—he’s had two game-winners this season against UCLA and Cal.

2. Is there a path to victory for Oregon without Tyler Dorsey or Dillon Brooks having a big game?

If there is it will be on defense with rebounding. Jordan Bell has shown what he can do—from blocked shots to pulling down the ball. The Ducks are well aware that their defense has taken a hit without Chris Boucher in the lineup, but if Kavell Bigby-Williams can play within his game, everything is still on the table for Oregon to make a Final Four run.

3. Do you see Oregon taking advantage of Michigan’s defensive rebounding issues?

Sure they can. Without Boucher, Tyler Dorsey could be the guy to step up. He had a solid game against Rhode Island. Let’s just say I am happy the Ducks are facing Michigan rather than Louisville this weekend. Oregon is by no means on life support, but there are areas that teams will try to take advantage of. Michigan is one of those teams that I am concerned about.

4. Derrick Walton Jr. and Moritz Wagner have each had big games in the tournament. Who do you think Oregon fans are more worried about?

Walton Jr. can shoot. I think the game will come down to rebounds and who gets the best opportunity at second-chance and breakaway points. The bench could play a big role for either team since both teams are hitting at 48 percent from the floor.

5. What’s the biggest issue Oregon will present to Michigan?

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The Oregon Ducks have not followed up a loss with another loss all season. Oregon is hungry and primed for this game. If Oregon gets to set the pace and there are quick drives to the basket, and ally-oops to go around, the Wolverines may be in trouble. When Boucher was in the lineup, it was easier, but physical defenses have been a problem for Oregon to overcome in the tournament.

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