Ducks Take Down No. 9 Alabama 83-81 To Win Players Era Festival
750 The Game Staff
Oregon men’s basketball took home the Players Era Festival championship in Las Vegas following a 83-81 win over No. 9 Alabama on Saturday night at MGM Grand Garden Arena.
The Ducks are 8-0 overall to start the season and on Monday cracked the AP Poll for the first time, debuting at No. 12.
Big man Nate Bittle had a tip-dunk following a missed Keeshawn Barthelemy driving layup that gave Oregon the 83-81 lead with under five seconds remaining. Oregon held on defense to beat the Crimson Tide.
Barthelemy had 22 points off the bench to lead the Ducks in scoring, with Bittle adding 19 points, 9 rebounds and 3 assists. TJ Bamba had 12 points and Supreme Cook had 11 off the bench.
Alabama was a 7.5-point betting favorite.
Oregon opens Big Ten conference play on Wednesday visiting USC, tip off at 7:30 p.m. on Big Ten Network.