Ducks Cruise To Exhibiton Win Over Concordia

In their first exhibition contest of the season, the Oregon basketball team unveiled their 2009-2010 edition of this season's squad in a comfortable 99-61 victory over Concordia University of Portland.

A day after the Duck football team dominated on the gridiron, the Oregon basketball followed suit on the hardwood. The Ducks attempted 87 shots (shooting 43.7% overall), gathered an astounding 62 rebounds (outrebounding their opponent by 34), and five players scored in double figures in Sunday's victory over Concordia in Oregon's exhibition opener.

Leading the Ducks in scoring was highly touted true freshman, Jamil Wilson, who chipped in 17 points on a 7 for 10 shooting effort from the field. Wilson's performance was highlighted by a fastbreak alley-oop off the glass from Oregon guard Tajuan Porter that drew the Mac Court faithful to their feet.

"When the play happened," said Wilson, "someone got the steal and kicked it to TP and I was right behind him and I was going to just jog and let him get the layup, but he screamed. He said, 'C'mon Jamil!', so I had to run behind him and I didn't know what he had in mind and then just threw it off the glass."

Players like Wilson and guard Teondre Williams appear primed to thrive in Oregon's up-tempo style of play which aims to feature more full-court pressure. Williams started the game for the Ducks and seems to have made tremendous strides in his overall game during the offseason. His athletic and energetic play contributed 12 points in 13 minutes and left Oregon head coach Ernie Kent very pleased with what he saw.

"He has real, real done a nice job of just coming in to his own," said Kent of Williams, "(He's) very coachable, had a great spring, a great summer, he plays with poise...he has really bought in and is starting show dividends right now."

Newcomer Malcolm Armstead also saw significant action, scoring 14 points, dishing out four assists, and exhibiting terrific ability to penetrate and create for himself and others.

"Obviously, you see where Malcolm Armstead is going to be a very, very good player at this level," said Kent, "His quickness is really good."

Chicago natives Joevan Catron (12 points 7 rebounds) and Matthew Humphrey (10 points) rounded out the double figure scorers for the Ducks, while LeKendric Longmire led the team in rebounding this evening with 10 to along with seven points and four assists. Kent believes Longmire's energy will allow him to be a versatile weapon for the Ducks this season.

"With the way we play, the athleticism of LeKendric, the energy of a LeKendric...does such a great job of disrupting the game and he's in on a lot of different situations where he shines because of his energy."

For Concordia, guard Drew Preuninger lead the Cavaliers in scoring with 15, while center Alex Thiefenthaler (a transfer from Portland State) lead his team in rebounding with six.

Next up for the Ducks is their final exhibition game versus Lewis and Clark College at McArthur Court next Sunday at 6:00 pm.