Ducks Show Their Stuff in 92-69 Win

Oregon's youth proved that an early case of nerves isn't enough to keep a good team down. The Oregon Ducks over came a nine-point early deficit to win going away 92-69 over the Alabama Crimson Tide at the Maui Invitational on Monday evening. Joevan Catron led the spirited comeback with whirling drives, strong rebounding and hustle to help pave the Ducks' win.

(PHOTO) Oregon's Joevan Catron celebrates after scoring against Alabama in the first half of their game in the Maui Invitational NCAA college basketball tournament in Lahaini, Hawaii, Monday, Nov. 24, 2008. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

The Ducks fell behind early in the game when everyone seemed to be touched with a case of ice-cold shooting. However, relying on good defense and a strong game by Catron, the Ducks worked their way back and had a modest halftime 38-36 lead.

In the second half Oregon came back out with the same defensive intensity and kept Alabama from ever establishing a good rhythm. The Crimson Tide finished the game with a paltry .370 shooting percentage on 20-for-54 and even the poor shooting carried over onto the free throw line where they were 26-for-41. Meanwhile the Ducks shot .525 or 31-for-59 including dropping in nine 3-pointers. The Ducks also shot a healthy 72.4 percent from the free throw line, sinking 21-of-29 gifts. Foul whistles blew all night as Oregon was called for 30 fouls while Alabama drew 25 calls.

Michael Dunigan led Oregon in scoring with 18 points. He also had 10 rebounds. Catron finished with 17 points and 13 rebounds. After missing his first nine shots behind the 3-point line, Tajuan Porter got hot and finished the game with 12 points.

Alabama was led in scoring by Senario Hillman with 16.

While the win was a pleasant way to start a basketball tournament in paradise, the Ducks will face North Carolina, the No. 1 team in the country tomorrow night at 6 p.m. Pacific in the second round of the tourney.