Oregon Ducks (18-13) vs Washington State Cougars (17-15)
Game Info: Thursday, March 9, 2023 at 5:30 pm (T-Mobile Arena)
Betting Odds: Oregon Ducks -2.5 -- Over/Under: 134.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
Where to Watch: PAC12 Stream College Basketball all season on ESPN+. Sign up now! 
The Washington State Cougars and the Oregon Ducks will meet in Kansas City in the first round of the Big 12 Championship at the T-Mobile Arena on ESPNU.
Washington State moved to 17-15 after beating Cal in the first round. The Cougars pounced on the Golden Bears early, and cruised to a 17-point win. Wazzu is scoring 67.4 points per game, while allowing 65.8 ppg, and shooting 42.1% from the floor.
Washington State has won their last seven games, and they have a real chance to put an inconsistent Oregon team out of the tournament. Wazzu plays through the inside-out duo of TJ Bamba and Mouhamed Gueye. Bamba, a third-year guard, went off for a season-high 36 points in the road win over Washington, and he leads the team at 15.7 ppg. Gueye, a 6’11 sophomore, has double-doubled in five of the last six games, including the home win over Oregon, and he leads the Cougs in rebounding (8.6), while scoring 14.5 ppg.
Oregon is 18-13 after defeating Stanford in Eugene. The Ducks trailed the Cardinal at the break, but they marched back to win by five, 73-68. Oregon is scoring 70.9 points per game, while allowing 67.2 ppg, and shooting 45.3% from the field.
Oregon has been extremely inconsistent this season, but they won their last three games, and they’ll look to avenge a three-point loss to Wazzu here. Senior big N’Faly has posted double-doubles in four of the last five games , and he leads Oregon in scoring (13.4) and (8.1). Senior guard Jermaine Couisnard reached double figures in six of the last seven games, and he’s second on the team at 13.0 ppg. Four-year starter Will Richardson is averaging 12.5 ppg and a team-lead 5.2 apg.
Washington State is 16-15 against the spread this season, with a 12-19 over/under record. Oregon is 14-15 ATS this year, with a 17-14 o/u record.
It’s very hard to ignore what Washington State has been able to do down the stretch, especially in spite of an inconsistent Oregon team. The Cougars match up with the Ducks very well, and they’ve proven they can beat them. Wazzu’s fatigue may be the ultimate deciding factor, and they’ve proven they can beat Oregon. Spot Washington State the points for safety here.
Corey’s Pick Washington State +2.5
AUTHOR: Corey Ghee
Mitch's Take...
