Ducks Outlast Beavers in Civil War Thriller

The Civil War Heats Up: Ducks vs. Beavers

The Oregon Ducks and Oregon State Beavers renewed their legendary Civil War rivalry on November 17, 2025, in a showdown that lived up to its name. In front of a roaring crowd at Matthew Knight Arena, the Ducks secured a hard-fought 87-75 victory, improving their record to 4-0 on the season.

Pre-Game Buildup: Physicality and Strategy

Entering the matchup, both teams carried contrasting narratives. Oregon head coach Dana Altman explicitly called for more physicality ahead of the Civil War battle, signaling his team's intent to dominate the interior. Meanwhile, Oregon State, known for its deliberate, slow-tempo style (ranked 344th nationally in adjusted tempo), relied on sharpshooting and size with 6-foot-11 starters Johan Munch and Yaak Yaak.

The Ducks arrived as heavy favorites (-13.5 points), largely thanks to their stifling defense, which ranked 21st nationally in defensive efficiency. However, Oregon's offense struggled early in the season, with star players Nate Bittle, Jackson Shelstad, and Takai Simpkins all shooting below 30% from three-point range.

"The Beavers play at one of the slowest tempos in America," noted pre-game analysts, "but their size could challenge Oregon's frontline."

Game Recap: Ducks' Defense Shines

The Ducks jumped out to an early 9-0 lead, fueled by Nate Bittle's dominant start with nine quick points. However, Oregon State's scrappy nature kept them in the game, with reserve forward Yaak Yaak contributing 6 points off the bench. At halftime, Oregon led 41-34, with Bittle (11 points) and Shelstad (10 points) leading the charge.

The second half saw the Beavers cut the deficit to five points with 10:53 remaining. But Oregon's defense clamped down, forcing turnovers and securing crucial stops. Bittle continued his stellar performance, finishing with 24 points, while Shelstad added 22 points, including four triples. Kwame Evans Jr. delivered his best game of the season with 16 points and 14 rebounds, showcasing his versatility.

Isaiah Sy led Oregon State with 14 points, but the Beavers couldn't overcome their offensive inefficiencies, shooting just 42.1% from inside the arc.

Key Takeaways

• Bittle's Dominance: The center's 24-point, 8-rebound performance anchored Oregon's offense and defense.
• Defense Wins: Oregon's top-20 defense stifled Oregon State, limiting the Beavers to 75 points on 42.1% shooting.
• Slow Tempo Backfires: Oregon State's deliberate pace played into the Ducks' defensive strength, resulting in low-scoring stretches.

What's Next?

With the win, the Ducks head to the Players Era Festival in Las Vegas, where they'll face Auburn (November 24) and San Diego State (November 25). Oregon State, meanwhile, looks to bounce back from its first loss of the season.

As the rivalry intensifies, both teams will need to address offensive inefficiencies—Oregon must improve its three-point shooting, while Oregon State seeks more consistent scoring beyond Josiah Lake II.