Dillon Brooks returns to lead Oregon in down-to-the-wire win over Utah

Originally Posted on Emerald Media via UWIRE

No. 10 Oregon (19-2, 8-0) continued its domination of Utah (14-6, 5-3) on Thursday night, outlasting the Utes, 73-67 for their 17th straight win. Dillon Brooks, who was a gametime decision, finished with 19 points to help the Ducks move to 8-0 in conference play.

What started as a back-and-forth competition turned into a frantic race for the finish in the closing few minutes.

With 1 minute, 40 seconds left in the game and Oregon clinging to a 70-63 lead, Utah forward Kyle Kuzma drilled a tough corner three over Chris Boucher, cutting Oregon’s lead to four. Kuzma finished with a team-high 18 points and nine rebounds for Utah.

On Oregon’s following possesion, Brooks forced a tough, contested jumper which clanked off the rim and led to a Utah fastbreak. Utah forward David Collette had a perfect opportunity to cut Oregon’s lead in half, but couldn’t convert a point-blank layup attempt to cap off the break.

Brooks would miss another tough three-pointer on the other end — one of multiple bad shots that Oregon put up to close the game — but the Ducks were bailed out by a Lorenzo Bonam push off on Utah’s next possession.

Oregon took over possession with 37 seconds left, attempting to inbound the ball under their own basket. But a long full court pass from Jordan Bell to Dillon Brooks sailed over Brook’s head and out of bounds, giving the ball back to the Utes.

Parker Van Dyke chucked up a desperation three on Utah’s next possession, but his shot would clank harmlessly off the rim. Oregon secured the rebound and would go on to bury their free-throws down the stretch.

Brooks, who was questionable heading into Thursday’s game due to a sprained left foot, played a game-high 36 minutes.

Jordan Bell chipped in 15 points, four rebounds and three steals, while Dylan Ennis contributed 13 points, five rebounds and two steals. Casey Benson continued his hot shooting in conference play, finishing perfect from the field (3-of-3, 2-of-2 from three) with eight points.

Utah freshman Devon Daniels tallied 11 points, five assists and four rebounds.

Oregon has now won eight straight games against Utah dating back to 2013.

The Ducks now head to Colorado (11-10, 1-7) to finish their roadtrip.

Follow Gus Morris on Twitter @JustGusMorris

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