In a thrilling showdown, Oregon emerged victorious over Colorado in the Pac-12 basketball tournament title game, clinching an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. Despite N'Faly Dante playing through a bruised tailbone, he delivered a stellar performance, scoring 25 points by making all 12 of his shots. This victory marked Oregon's sixth Pac-12 Tournament championship and their first since 2019.
With this win, fourth-seeded Oregon (23-11) extended their postseason journey after not being initially projected to receive an at-large invitation to the 68-team field. On the other hand, third-seeded Colorado (23-10) is expected to secure an at-large bid despite their eight-game winning streak coming to an end.
Dante, who was named the tournament's most outstanding player, showcased his resilience by also contributing nine rebounds and three steals. Jackson Shelstad added 17 points, while Jermaine Couisnard finished with 14 for the Ducks. KJ Simpson led the Buffaloes with 23 points, and Luke O'Brien chipped in with 11.
The game was tightly contested, with the score tied at 62 before Oregon pulled ahead with crucial plays from Shelstad and Tracey in the final minutes. The Ducks maintained their lead and secured the victory, punching their ticket to the NCAA Tournament.
As the Pac-12 basketball era comes to a close, teams are preparing for new conference alignments. Oregon and three other schools will transition to the Big Ten Conference, while Colorado and others will join the Big 12 Conference. California and Stanford are set to compete in the Atlantic Coast Conference, leaving Oregon State and Washington State behind to navigate the future of the Pac-12.
Despite the changes, the legacy of the Pac-12 as the 'Conference of Champions' with a rich basketball history will be remembered. The championship game served as a fitting conclusion to an era, with fans witnessing a memorable clash between Oregon and Colorado.
While the landscape of college basketball undergoes shifts, the spirit of competition and excellence endures, setting the stage for new rivalries and opportunities in the sport.
