The Penn State Nittany Lions, boasting a 10-14 overall record and 1-12 conference mark, head to Eugene to face the Oregon Ducks, who sit at 8-16 overall and 1-12 in conference play. Both teams are struggling, with Oregon on a 3-game losing streak and Penn State having lost 2 of their last 3 games, including a recent 75-65 defeat. The Ducks, with a NET ranking of 113, are seeking to capitalize on their home-court advantage to secure a much-needed win, while the Nittany Lions, ranked 130 in the NET, aim to steal a Quad 2 victory on the road.
Oregon Ducks' 44.7% Defensive Field Goal Percentage
The game is scheduled for February 14, 2026, at 8:00 PM ET, and will be played at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene, Oregon. Fans can catch the action on Pac-12 Network.
The Penn State Nittany Lions have had a tumultuous season, with their 10-14 record and 1-12 conference mark reflecting their inconsistency. They have struggled in Quad 1 and Quad 2 games, boasting a combined 0-12 record in such contests. However, they have fared better in Quad 3 and Quad 4 games, with a 3-2 and 7-0 record, respectively. The Nittany Lions are averaging 71.4 points per game, while allowing 73.1 points per contest. With a NET ranking of 130, they desperately need quality wins to enhance their tournament resume.
Key Matchups
The Oregon Ducks, with an 8-16 overall record and 1-12 conference mark, are facing a similar predicament. Their NET ranking of 113 is a reflection of their struggles, particularly in Quad 1 games, where they have a 0-11 record. The Ducks have also struggled in Quad 2 games, with a 0-4 mark. However, they have managed to secure 2 wins in Quad 3 games and are undefeated in Quad 4 contests, with a 6-0 record. Oregon is averaging 74.5 points per game, while conceding 76.3 points per contest. The Ducks are seeking to exploit their home-court advantage to secure a crucial win and boost their tournament hopes.
The matchup between the Oregon Ducks and Penn State Nittany Lions will be a fascinating one, with both teams seeking to outmaneuver each other. The Ducks, with their 45.1% field goal percentage, want to capitalize on the Nittany Lions' 42.5% defensive field goal percentage. Conversely, Penn State will aim to exploit Oregon's 44.7% defensive field goal percentage. The pace of the game will also be crucial, with Oregon averaging 71.1 possessions per game and Penn State averaging 69.4 possessions per contest. The Ducks' ability to control the tempo and dictate the flow of the game will be vital in securing a win.
CHD Scout Prediction
Penn State
73
Oregon
78
For the Oregon Ducks, players like Will Richardson, who is averaging 14.1 points per game, and Quincy Guerrier, who is averaging 10.3 points and 5.5 rebounds per contest, matters in the matchup. The Nittany Lions will rely on players like Jalen Pickett, who is averaging 13.4 points and 4.5 assists per game, and Seth Lundy, who is averaging 12.1 points and 5.8 rebounds per contest. With no notable player momentum data available, both teams must rely on their overall team performance to secure a win.
Tournament Stakes
The CHD Scout prediction favors the Oregon Ducks, with a predicted score of 78-73 in their favor. The Ducks have a 64.9% win probability, with a margin of 4.4 points. This prediction reflects the Ducks' home-court advantage and their ability to capitalize on the Nittany Lions' struggles in Quad 2 games.
The outcome of this game will have real consequences for both teams' tournament resumes. A win for the Oregon Ducks would be a much-needed Quad 3 victory, enhancing their NET ranking and bolstering their tournament hopes. Conversely, a win for the Penn State Nittany Lions would be a crucial Quad 2 victory, significantly improving their tournament resume and NET ranking. With both teams desperate for quality wins, the stakes are high, and the outcome will be closely watched by tournament selectors.