The No. 11 Oregon (17-2, 6-0) men’s basketball team will look for its 16th consecutive victory with a win over Stanford (11-8, 3-4) on Saturday.
The Ducks are coming off a stellar performance against Cal where Jordan Bell shined. However, despite the victory, Dillon Brooks left the game with a foot injury. It was the same foot he had surgery on this offseason.
An Oregon spokesman said Brooks was seen by UO medical staff on Friday. Brooks is currently in a walking boot but no definitive information was available.
If Brooks is out, especially for an extended period of time, the Ducks will need somebody to step up in his absence. Earlier in the season, Oregon struggled without Brooks, but since his return the team has found a groove. The Ducks played well even when Brooks was sidelined with foul trouble against Washington and even ejected against Washington State.
Saturday’s game should act as a good litmus test if Brooks is out, but the Ducks are still expected too grab an easy victory.
The Cardinal enter the game on a three-game winning streak, but the team’s top scorer and rebounder, Reid Travis, may be out with a shoulder injury. He missed Stanford’s victory against Oregon State on Thursday.
Stanford’s offense has struggled all season. The Cardinal are averaging 69.5 points per game which ranks ninth in the Pac-12. Michael Humphries stepped up in Travis’ absence by scoring 21 points against Oregon State. But Oregon’s frontcourt of Jordan Bell and Chris Boucher lead the conference in blocks, and the Ducks are third in the conference in scoring defense.
Stanford’s defense has been solid despite the offensive troubles. Stanford is fifth in the Pac-12 in defense while holding opponents to 46 percent shooting. The Cardinal have held opponents to 56 points per game over their last three victories.
The visitors’ defense will challenge the Ducks to score, but since conference play has started, no team has has found a way to stop the Ducks. Stanford’s limited offensive firepower should allow the Ducks to get plenty of transition baskets even if Oregon is without its leading scorer.
Tipoff is set for 3 p.m on Pac-12 Network.
Follow Jack Butler on Twitter @Butler917
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