Oregon had no trouble with Holy Cross. From the opening tip you could tell the more hungry and agressive team was in fact the higher seeded Ducks. Head Coach Dana Altman spoke in the postgame conference about what motivated his team to come out so strong.
“I heard them talking yesterday, when a couple of 12s upset 5s and when we got together today, I didn’t have to say anything. I head them talking about it. I think it’s much more effective if they’re talking about it and it’s something on their mind.”
Oregon’s defense didn’t leave any room for a comeback from the Holy Cross team that was previously undefeated in March. If Oregon can come out with the energy and intesity they did on Friday, they will go far in this tournament. They have the depth and the coaching to do so.
Next up they face the winner of the Cincinnati and St. Joseph’s game.