Oregon women’s basketball wants to raise defensive intensity in top 20 matchup with UCLA

The resumption of Pac-12 play brings a third straight ranked opponent for Oregon, which is aiming to improve defensively.

The No. 17 Ducks (10-2, 1-0 Pac-12) are in the top 20 in a variety of offensive statistics, including scoring, field goal percentage, three-point percentage and assists, but are 295th in turnovers forced per game and ninth in the Pac-12 in scoring defense entering tonight’s matchup (6 p.m., Pac-12 Network) with No. 10 UCLA.

“We got to contain the person that’s in front of us,” guard Te-Hina Paopao said. “That’s the main priority and not depend on Philli (Kyei) blocking their shots when they get in the paint. We need to move our feet, bend our knees and contain dribble penetration.”

Kelly Graves appreciates that UO commits just 13.1 fouls per game, ninth fewest nationally, especially with only eight available players. But he wants the defensive intensity to increase from the Ducks, particularly in transition.

Oregon is allowing 59.8 points per game and opponents are shooting 39.2% from the field, both ninth in the Pac-12.

“We’re playing really well offensively; we just got to be able to guard people,” Graves said. “We’re capable fo doing it but now we got to do it every single night. There is no night off. Those big blowout wins are over. Everything is going to be a grind from here on out.”

UCLA (12-1, 1-0) is 11th in the conference in both field goal percentage (41.1%) and three-point shooting (26.8%) and ninth in scoring (72.7 points). The Bruins are built around rebounding and defense and are committing the most fouls in the conference.

“They’re one of the most athletic teams in the country,” Graves said. “They’re great in transition. They’re got awesome guards. They’re perhaps the best offensive rebounding team in the country. One of the leading scorers in the country in Charisma Osborne and they’ve always built their culture on defense. You’ve got to take care of the ball you know you’re going to get pressured.”

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