Ducks have Final Four potential

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SPOKANE, Wash. - Oregon is just two wins away from the Final Four. It’s tempting to look ahead. If the Ducks get past UNLV in the Sweet 16, they’ll likely meet defending national champion the Florida Gators in the Midwest regional final in St. Louis.

How enticing would that be? The Ducks and Gators squaring off in the Elite Eight? Maarty Leunen battling inside with the Gators’ DJoakim Noah and Al Horford. Aaron Brooks on center stage, showcasing the skills that have made him among the top guards in the land.

Who would have thought that Oregon would be here after losing five of six Pac-10 games during a two-week February slump?

But the Ducks have caught fire at the right time and take an eight-game winning streak to St. Louis. All of their strengths were on display Sunday in a 75-61 second-round NCAA tournament victory against Winthrop. Brooks’ scoring (22 points), Tajuan Porter’s 3-point prowess, Leunen’s ability to hold his own despite giving up size inside, the solid play of Malik Hairston and Bryce Taylor, and the continued spark off the bench from Joevan Catron.

After the victory, Taylor said the Ducks have “a good enough team to go all the way.”

That remains to be seen, but this much is certain: Oregon has enough talent to be a tough out for any future opponent, including Florida.

[More at www.statesmanjournal.com]

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OJ Mayo OJ Mayo enrolled at USC in Summer 2007, taking two classes. While waiting for the season to begin, OJ Mayo began playing pickup basketball against current NBA players Kobe Bryant, Kevin Garnett, Jason Kidd, Mike Dunleavy Jr., Sam Cassell and J.J. Redick. OJ Mayo's first game with the USC Trojans will be a series of exhibition games over Labor Day weekend in Mazatlán, Mexico.