Oregon holds off Washington State 75-70 to advance to semifinals of Pac-12 Tournament

Oregon guard Jermaine Couisnard (5) reacts after a 3-point basket against Washington State during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in the quarterfinals of the Pac-12 Tournament, Thursday, March 9, 2023, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/David Becker)

The 4-seed Oregon Ducks needed to hold on for dear life, but in the end, they earned a 75-70 victory over the 5-seed Washington State Cougars on Thursday in Las Vegas, Nev.

Oregon will play top-seed UCLA in the Pac-12 Tournament semifinals on Friday night at 6:00 p.m. You can hear all the action from that game on 750 The Game and streaming for free from Westwood One on 750TheGame.com.

Final: Oregon 75, WSU 70

Ducks advance to play UCLA on Friday at 6p in Las Vegas.

N’Faly Dante’s status will be huge.

— John Canzano (@johncanzanobft) March 10, 2023

Standout big man N’Faly Dante made a big block late in the game with Oregon holding a two-point lead. Dante fell awkwardly on his ankle and had to leave the game, putting some doubt on his availability for the semifinal vs the Bruins. However, Dante said after the game he will be alright and should be able to play.

Oregon is on the bubble to make the NCAA Tournament as an at-large selection. A win over UCLA would put the Ducks firmly on the right side of the bubble in the eyes of many. Winning the tournament itself would earn an automatic bid to the dance.