The last time Oregon faced Utah, the Ducks were saved by the late-game theatrics from former guard Joseph Young in the final seconds of the 2015 Pac-12 tournament semifinal.
They wouldn’t need a buzzer-beater Thursday night.
Behind 55 percent shooting, 21 points and 9 rebounds from Dillon Brooks and a career-high 15 from Casey Benson, the Ducks stymied Utah on its home floor and won in convincing fashion, 77-59.
The win improves Dana Altman’s record against the Utes to 8-1 since the two have competed in the same conference. The Utes have not beaten Oregon since 2013.
Oregon led by as much as 15 in the first half and took advantage of a poor shooting performance from the Utes to take control of the game early. Benson hit three three-pointers in the first half and had 11 before the break. The Ducks shot 42 percent from the three as a whole.
Oregon then held a firm grip of the game in the second half and the Utes’ crowd remained quiet throughout the majority of the night. Utah shot 33 percent from the field and Jakob Poelti, who was averaging 17 points per game, was limited to just seven.
On the other hand, Oregon’s top scorer only got better as the game progressed. Brooks shot 10-of-16 from the field and scored 10 points in the first half as well as 11 in the second.
In addition, Oregon had five players score eight or more in the contest. The Ducks also out-rebounded Utah by six.
The Ducks did commit 15 turnovers, however Utah committed just as much. Oregon improves to 3-1 in the Pac-12, while Utah is now 1-3.
The win Thursday seems extra important considering the way Oregon has played on the road recently. The Ducks’ first road contest in the Pac-12 was 13-point loss to Oregon State. Tyler Dorsey, who scored four points, said Tuesday that he felt Oregon didn’t bring the “effort” demanded in their previous losses.
That clearly wasn’t the case Thursday, as Oregon jumped out to an 8-0 lead and never relinquished the lead.
Oregon’s next road contest will be at Colorado on Sunday.
Follow Justin Wise on Twitter @JustinFWise