Oregon Ducks Host South Dakota State, Aiming to Build on Bittle’s Big Night

Eugene, Ore. – The Oregon Ducks basketball team is set to host the South Dakota State Jackrabbits on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at Matthew Knight Arena. This matchup comes on the heels of a hard-fought 67-63 victory for the Ducks over the Rice Owls, a game highlighted by a standout Nate Bittle performance. The Oregon Ducks basketball program is eager to continue its winning ways.

Nate Bittle Leads Oregon Ducks Basketball’s Comeback Effort

In their latest outing on Friday, November 7, 2025, the Oregon Ducks secured their second win of the young season, improving to 2-0. The victory for Oregon Ducks basketball was largely powered by Nate Bittle, who poured in a game-high 25 points, including 18 in the second half to help Oregon overcome a halftime deficit. Nate Bittle’s impressive offensive output for the Oregon Ducks basketball team was complemented by 8 rebounds and a career-tying 6 blocked shots. The Ducks also saw contributions from Jackson Shelstad, who made his season debut after returning from injury, scoring 11 points along with four assists and four rebounds, and Kwame Evans Jr., who also added 11 points. Despite shooting struggles for much of the game, Oregon’s resilience and Nate Bittle’s timely scoring proved crucial for the Oregon Ducks basketball squad.

South Dakota State Arrives with Early Season Momentum in College Basketball Preview

The South Dakota State Jackrabbits enter the contest with a 2-1 record for the 2025-26 season. After dropping their season opener on the road to Northern Iowa, 65-58, SDSU has responded with back-to-back wins against Dakota State and Merrimack. The Jackrabbits will be looking to make a statement against a Power Five opponent on the road. Key offensive threats for South Dakota State this season include Jaden Jackson, Joe Sayler, and Damon Wilkinson, all averaging double-digit scoring and capable of sparking the Jackrabbit offense. Ball security has been an area of focus for SDSU, as they have averaged 15.3 turnovers per game early in the season. This college basketball preview highlights their tactical approach.

A Look at the Oregon Ducks Basketball Matchup

This game marks the first-ever meeting between Oregon and South Dakota State, adding an intriguing layer to the nonconference schedule for Oregon Ducks basketball. For Oregon, the challenge will be to maintain the offensive momentum generated in the second half against Rice and to tighten up their overall shooting efficiency, which stood at 32.7% from the field in their last outing. The Ducks will also rely on their defensive presence, particularly from Nate Bittle, who has emerged as a significant shot-blocking force for Oregon Ducks basketball.

South Dakota State, under first-year head coach Bryan Petersen, will aim to control the tempo and exploit any Oregon weaknesses. Their ability to handle Oregon’s defensive pressure and limit turnovers will be critical to their success. The Jackrabbits’ balanced scoring attack, with multiple players capable of leading the team in points, presents a different kind of challenge for the Ducks compared to their opening opponents in this college basketball preview.

What to Watch For in Oregon Ducks Basketball

Fans can expect a competitive game as both teams seek to establish their identity early in the 2025-26 campaign. Oregon’s ability to sustain their second-half performance against Rice and leverage their home-court advantage at Matthew Knight Arena will be key for the Oregon Ducks basketball team. South Dakota State’s resilience and their success in overcoming early-season road tests will be put to the ultimate test. The game is also a notable piece of sports news as it continues the college basketball season, with many teams looking to climb national rankings. The Oregon Ducks basketball team aims to impress.

The game is scheduled to tip off at 9:30 p.m. ET on Peacock. The Oregon Ducks are looking to build on their early success and prove their mettle against a determined South Dakota State squad in this trending college basketball matchup. The Oregon Ducks basketball team is ready for the challenge.

Author

  • Wendy Hering

    Hello, I'm Wendy Hering, a Washington native who has lived in Oregon for the past 35 years. As an urban farmer, I help transform front yards into small, productive farms throughout Portland, embracing an organic and natural lifestyle. My passion for arts and crafts blends seamlessly with my love for journalism, where I strive to share stories that inspire and educate. As a proud lesbian and advocate for LGBTQ+ pride, I cherish Portland's accepting culture and the community's lack of judgment towards my partner and me. Walking around this beautiful city and state, I appreciate the freedom to live openly and authentically, celebrating the unique diversity that makes Portland so special. KEEP PORTLAND WEIRD AND BEAUTIFUL!

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