The Oregon men's basketball program has witnessed a significant shift in recent times. Once characterized by a wait-and-see attitude among the masses, the No. 12 Ducks (9-0, 1-0 Big Ten) have now soared into the top 15 in polls and efficiency, boasting multiple marquee wins in nonconference play. With UCLA (7-1, 1-0) set to grace Matthew Knight Arena this afternoon at 3 p.m. on the Big Ten Network, a five-figure crowd is not just desired but truly deserved.

Coach Dana Altman's Vision for a Great Atmosphere

Oregon coach Dana Altman emphasizes the importance of creating a great atmosphere for the team. "Our home wins have been consistent, but we haven't reached the top 10 or top 20 level yet. When the students and everyone are involved, the atmosphere in this building can be exceptional. Our guys have always competed, even when we were undermanned in a few games. We hope to have a great atmosphere and establish a true home court," he said.Despite 14 consecutive 20-win seasons under Altman, the Ducks have had just one sellout since 2018-19, specifically last season against Arizona. This spans a remarkable 92 home games. The four West Coast members of the Big Ten lag behind the rest of the conference in fan support early this season, with the exception of Northwestern.Oregon's average attendance of 5,681 ranks 74th nationally and 16th in the Big Ten this season, ahead only of UCLA and USC. It is expected to improve as conference play begins, especially after New Year's, but currently stands as the lowest in the 14-season history of the arena."We need to make this our home court. Our football stadium may be small compared to others, but it's lively and makes a difference. In basketball, having everyone close by makes a huge impact. We've had great crowds over the years, and I hope our fans keep up with other fan bases during this transition into the Big Ten," Altman added.

UCLA's Upcoming Challenge

The Bruins have played one of the weakest schedules in the country so far, ranking 348th out of 364 Division I teams according to KenPom. However, that will change significantly with today's game. Former Oregon State forward Tyler Bilodeau (14.1 points, 6.1 rebounds) and former USC guard Kobe Johnson are key components of this year's UCLA squad. Mick Cronin's teams have always played competitively against the Ducks."Defensively, they'll be aggressive and physical. Offensively, they'll work the ball and take the shots they want. It will be a physical game, and we need to be ready. They are talented, and our games against them over the past 3-4 years have been hard-nosed. We know we have our work cut out for us," Altman stated.

The Importance of Home Court Advantage

Home court advantage is crucial in basketball. A lively crowd can inspire the team and create an electric atmosphere. The Ducks have the potential to thrive in front of their fans, and with the right support, they can reach new heights. The upcoming game against UCLA presents an opportunity to showcase the team's abilities and build on their recent success.The low attendance figures this season are a wake-up call for the Oregon fan base. It's time to come out in full force and show their support for the team. A strong home court can give the Ducks an edge and help them compete at a higher level.As the Ducks prepare to take on UCLA, the focus is on creating a memorable atmosphere and building on their momentum. With the right combination of talent and support, the Oregon men's basketball program has the potential to make a significant impact in the Big Ten.

The Air Force Falcons women's basketball team has been making waves with their recent performances. After a resounding 82-44 win over Seattle at Clune Arena on Saturday, they continue to achieve feats that few Falcons teams have accomplished before.

Unstoppable Falcons - A Winning Streak to Remember

First Quarter Triumph

The Falcons wasted no time in asserting their dominance. Right from the start, they outscored the Redhawks by a significant margin of 22-10. Keelie O’Hollaren led the charge, closing the first quarter with an astonishing 12 points and making all four of her 3-pointers in the first 10 minutes. This early burst set the tone for the rest of the game and gave the Falcons a comfortable lead.In the second quarter, the Falcons continued their offensive onslaught, outscoring the Redhawks 21-14. Madison Smith contributed 14 points, adding to the team's total. By the break, the Falcons had built a substantial 41-24 lead, showing their ability to maintain their momentum.

Defense Shines in the Second Half

The Air Force defense truly came into its own in the second half. They held Seattle to just 20 points, restricting their scoring significantly. This was a remarkable achievement considering the Redhawks shot slightly better (42.6%) than the Falcons (41.2%) overall. However, the difference was evident at the 3-point line, where the Falcons fired 41.7% and the Redhawks were just 21.4%. The Redhawks also struggled from the free-throw line, shooting a dismal 14.3% while the Falcons were a highly efficient 69.6%.This defensive prowess not only limited Seattle's scoring but also forced them into 38 turnovers, which the Falcons capitalized on, scoring a season-best 44 points off turnovers. The team's ability to turn defense into offense was a key factor in their victory.

Player Standouts

Keelie O’Hollaren was the star of the show, leading the team with a season-high 18 points and four 3-pointers. Her performance in the first quarter was particularly impressive and set the tempo for the entire game. Madison Smith also had a significant impact with 14 points. Alexis Cortez scored a season-best 13 points, adding to the team's offensive firepower. Jayda McNabb was outstanding on the boards, scoring seven points and grabbing a season-high 13 rebounds. This was her sixth game this season with double-digit rebounds, showcasing her rebounding prowess.Christeina Bryan was the only Seattle player to reach double figures in scoring with 12 points. Candy Edokpaigbe added eight points, but it was the Falcons' collective effort that sealed the win.

Upcoming Road Trip

After this impressive win, the Falcons are on a 10-day break before hitting the road for a two-game swing through the state of Oregon. First, they will face Oregon on Dec. 17, followed by a game at Portland State on Dec. 20. These upcoming games will be a test for the team as they look to continue their winning streak on the road.

Mountain West Action

The Falcons open Mountain West action at home on Dec. 29 against New Mexico at 1 p.m. mountain. This will be another important game for the team as they look to build on their recent success and make a strong start in conference play.The Air Force Falcons' recent performances have been nothing short of remarkable. Their ability to dominate on both offense and defense, coupled with the outstanding performances of individual players, has set them on a path to success. As they continue their journey, fans can look forward to more exciting games and more impressive achievements.