No. 10 Oregon's Overtime Thriller: NCAA Tournament Win Over No. 7 Vanderbilt

Laila Abdi

4 min read

Post on May 13, 2025

4.1

Share

A First Half of Momentum Shifts

The game began with a clear indication of Vanderbilt's intent.

Vanderbilt's Early Lead

The Commodores came out firing, establishing a commanding early lead. Their offensive prowess was evident from the outset.

• Dominant Inside Game: Vanderbilt's post players dominated the paint, scoring easy baskets and drawing fouls. They shot an impressive 60% from the field in the first 10 minutes.
• Effective Three-Point Shooting: Guard Liam Robbins showcased his range, hitting two crucial three-pointers, extending Vanderbilt’s lead to 12 points midway through the first half.
• Strong Defensive Pressure: The Commodores' defense forced several Oregon turnovers, leading to easy transition opportunities.

However, Oregon wasn't going down without a fight.

Oregon's Comeback

The Ducks, known for their resilience, slowly clawed their way back into the game. A strategic timeout by Coach Altman proved crucial.

• Increased Defensive Intensity: Oregon tightened their defense, forcing turnovers and contesting every shot. They shifted to a zone defense that disrupted Vanderbilt's rhythm.
• Key Three-Pointers: Guard Will Richardson ignited the Oregon offense with back-to-back three-pointers, cutting into Vanderbilt's lead. This sparked a 10-0 run for the Ducks.
• Strong Rebounding: Oregon's frontcourt dominated the boards, securing crucial offensive rebounds and second-chance points.

A Tight Second Half and the Road to Overtime

The second half was a back-and-forth battle, a testament to both teams' determination.

Back-and-forth Battle

The lead changed hands several times, with neither team able to pull away decisively. The intensity was palpable, with every possession carrying immense weight.

• Close Scores: The score remained within a single possession for the majority of the second half, keeping the crowd on the edge of their seats.
• Clutch Free Throws: Both teams made crucial free throws down the stretch, showcasing their composure under pressure.
• Defensive Stands: Both defenses made key stops in the final minutes, preventing easy baskets and forcing turnovers. The physicality intensified as the clock wound down.

The Final Seconds of Regulation

The final seconds were a blur of missed shots, desperate rebounds, and near turnovers. The game came down to the wire.

• Missed Three-Pointer: Vanderbilt had a chance to win the game with a three-pointer but missed, sending the game into overtime.
• Last-Second Shot: Oregon had a chance to win in regulation but their shot rimmed out, resulting in a thrilling overtime period.
• Score at the End of Regulation: The score was tied 68-68, setting the stage for an overtime showdown.

Overtime Drama and Oregon's Victory

The overtime period belonged to the Oregon Ducks.

Oregon's Overtime Dominance

Oregon displayed superior composure and execution in overtime.

• Aggressive Offensive Attack: The Ducks attacked the basket aggressively, drawing fouls and converting free throws.
• Crucial Rebounds: Oregon secured key rebounds, limiting Vanderbilt's second-chance opportunities.
• Strong Defensive Presence: Oregon's defense held Vanderbilt to just two points in overtime.

Vanderbilt's Late Push

Despite Oregon's dominance, Vanderbilt made a late push, attempting to close the gap. However, Oregon's superior execution in the extra period proved insurmountable. Their controlled offense and staunch defense sealed the victory.

Conclusion

The No. 10 Oregon Ducks' overtime victory over the No. 7 Vanderbilt Commodores was a classic NCAA Tournament upset. The game showcased incredible athleticism, strategic coaching, and unwavering determination from both teams. Will Richardson's clutch shooting and Oregon's strong rebounding proved pivotal in securing the victory. This thrilling contest will be remembered as a true March Madness moment, a testament to the unpredictable nature of college basketball’s premier tournament.

Want to relive the excitement of this incredible NCAA Tournament upset? Read more game recaps and analyses of No. 10 Oregon's overtime victory over No. 7 Vanderbilt! Search for "[Oregon Ducks NCAA Tournament]" or "[Oregon Vanderbilt Game Recap]" to find more coverage.