Oregon uses Singler's jumper, home court to win CBI
Apr 2, 2011 - 6:06 AM Eugene, OR (Sports Network) - A controversial call on probably the oddest- looking collegiate court in America led to Oregon winning the College Basketball Invitational Tournament, 71-69, over Creighton.E.J. Singler's bank shot with two seconds left boosted the Ducks to the victory, only after Antoine Young was called for an over-and-back call. Young's turnover came with 17 seconds left as he backed up under pressure from Malcolm Armstead.
"It was unfortunate. We were denying the inbounds play and our guys did a good job pushing him (Antoine Young) back. It was fortunate for us and we just got the breaks," Oregon coach Dana Altman said.
The court at Matthew Knight Arena features repeating silhouettes of Pacific Northwest tree lines, but has been criticized for the lack of a visible center court line. That was at the head of Friday night's controversial finish.
"I can't see it from coaching," Creighton coach Greg McDermott said. "It's a tough spot to be in, and there is no point of reference when you are getting close to the line.
"It's tough, it's really tough. This is a beautiful building and a great atmosphere, but I just wish there was a half court line."
Joevan Catron had 29 points for the Ducks (21-18), who beat the Bluejays, 71-58, on Wednesday to force a decisive contest in the best-of-three championship series.
Singler had 15 points, while Johnathan Loyd scored eight for the winners.
Young had 21 points, while Doug McDermott had 13, Gregory Echenique 12 and Kenny Lawson Jr. 11 for Creighton (23-16).
The Ducks started the game on a 10-2 spurt, but the game tightened with the hosts leading 31-30 at the break.
It was close throughout the second half, but Echenique's two free throws gave Creighton a 67-65 edge with 1 1/2 minutes to go. Catron then sank a jumper with nearly a minute left before Echenique's powerful jam moved the Bluejays ahead again.
Garrett Sim's jumper with 33 seconds to go set up the wild finish.
Game Notes
The Ducks went 4-of-19 from beyond the arc and were outrebounded, 32-23...Creighton had 14 turnovers to six for Oregon.
- CREIGHTON: 69
OREGON: 71
Final
Apr 2 12:06 AM - CREIGHTON: 30
OREGON: 31
Halftime
Apr 1 10:52 PM - CREIGHTON: 0
OREGON: 0
1st Half - 20:00
Apr 1 10:09 PM
Related News
- Sex assault count dropped against ex-Creighton player Watson Sep 22
- LSU's coach: Oregon's Bigby-Williams transferring to Tigers Aug 19
- Creighton's Maurice Watson Jr. says he's returning to school May 6
- Starter in 2014-15, Orange's Kaleb Joseph heads to Creighton Apr 18
- Altman on Coach K: 'I had no problem with what he did' Apr 1
- Coach K apologizes to Altman for postgame chat with Brooks Mar 26
- Altman backs Brooks after late-game drama with Coach K Mar 26
- Oklahoma's Kruger, Oregon's Altman test bond in Elite Eight Mar 25
- Oregon takes the national stage against defending champ Duke Mar 23
- Versatility a key as top-seed Oregon faces St. Joseph's Mar 19
- Tyler Dorsey a catalyst to Oregon's surge for No. 1 seed Mar 17
- Oregon's rise on national stage highlighted by top seed Mar 15