Oregon Ducks Win Senior Night Thriller Against Indiana, 73-64

EUGENE, Ore. – The Oregon men’s basketball team celebrated Senior Night with a hard-fought 73-64 victory over Indiana on March 4, 2025, in front of 9,584 excited fans at Matthew Knight Arena.

The Ducks secured their sixth consecutive win as they continue their push toward the postseason. A pivotal moment came late in the second half when guard Shelstad hit a three-pointer, initiating a 10-0 run that propelled Oregon to a lead they would not relinquish. Oregon’s Head Coach, Dana Altman, highlighted the team’s defensive effort, particularly from TJ Bittle, who locked down Indiana’s perimeter shooters in the crucial moments of the game.

“TJ’s defense the last two minutes was really good,” Altman said. “He gave up that three, but he locked them up those last two minutes and inspired the rest of the team.”

Oregon (22-8, 11-8 Big Ten) surged early, leading by as many as nine points in the first half. However, Indiana consistently answered back, capitalizing on their strength in the paint. Ducks forward Bamba contributed with six points in the first four minutes, helping to set the tone with a 20-15 lead at the first media timeout.

The Ducks experienced a mid-half surge, culminating in their largest lead of the half at 38-19, thanks to back-to-back three-pointers from Bittle and another teammate. But the Hoosiers rapidly narrowed the deficit, finishing the half trailing by just three points at 35-32.

The second half commenced in high gear, with both teams rapidly trading baskets. Indiana took a brief lead at 59-57 with eight minutes remaining, but the Ducks responded, regaining control with pivotal scores from Shelstad and Bamba.

With just under two minutes left, Indiana hit their ninth three-pointer of the night to take a temporary lead. But the Ducks answered back decisively; after a 25-second shot-clock struggle, Bittle found Shelstad at mid-court, who made a deep three-pointer, electrifying the crowd.

Bittle subsequently made a crucial steal and drew a foul, expanding the Ducks’ lead. Together, he and Shelstad combined for an impressive 7-of-8 from the free-throw line in the final 65 seconds, concluding the game on a 10-0 run.

Shelstad led all scorers with 17 points, marking his fifth double-digit performance in the last six games. Bittle’s contributions also stood out, as he recorded 14 points, seven rebounds, and a career-high six assists, in addition to four blocks. Evans Jr. added ten points and six rebounds off the bench.

After the game, Oregon honored six seniors, including Bittle, Shelstad, and others for their contributions to the program. Graduates Evans and Ballo did not participate in the ceremony, having already been honored last season.

Looking ahead, the Ducks will round out their regular season on March 9 with a road matchup against Washington, scheduled for 12 p.m. PT on the Big Ten Network.