Couisnard became the first player to score 40 in an NCAA Tournament game since Purdue’s Carson Edwards had back-to-back 42-point performances during the 2019 tournament.
The last player to score at least 40 in a win by a double-digit seed was Steph Curry, who also scored 40 in 2008 when No. 10 Davidson defeated No. 7 Gonzaga.
“These are the games every player dreams of, you know, to make it and advance to the NCAA Tournament is a really good feeling,” Altman said. “It was a big-time performance.”
Couisnard wasn’t state-padding either.
He scored 12 points during an 18-2 run late in the first half that helped the Ducks turn a 20-14 deficit into a 32-22 lead.
He also had a stellar performance in the second half, scoring 12 in the first 7:14 as Oregon turned its 34–29 halftime lead into a 57–40 lead with only 13 minutes left to play.
“We’re generally pretty good defensively,” Paris said. “He played well.”
N’Faly Dante, Ducks dominate in paint
Oregon’s big man was the best post player on the court again Thursday.
His 23 points came on 7-of-9 shooting from the field and 9-of-15 from the free throw line. He also had six rebounds.
He had eight points and four rebounds at halftime, but tag-teamed with Couisnard early in the second half to push the Ducks’ lead to double digits.
During Oregon’s 21–8 run early in the second half, Dante had nine points, two rebounds, two blocks and two steals.
During the game the Ducks scored 30 points in the paint and defeated the Gamecocks 32–26. Oregon also had six blocks.
Altman said of Couisnard and Dante, “They’re very nice people.” He has taken us forward. I just tried to stay out of the way. Those two guys have done a great job, and they’ve led us through the conference. He carried us forward throughout the year. But they really carried us in the conference tournament, and obviously those two got 63 of our 87 points. So dominant on the offensive end of the court, and defensively I thought Dante did a great job again.”
Other highlights
Oregon’s two starting freshmen didn’t shrink under the bright lights of their first NCAA Tournament.
Forward Kwame Evans Jr. added eight points, six rebounds and two blocks, and point guard Jackson Shelstead scored 11 and made a game-opening 3-pointer.
Overall, the Ducks shot 59.6% from the field and made 7 of 16 from the 3-point line.
The Gamecocks shot 44.6% from the field and were 7 of 12 from 3. Their leading scorer was guard Michi Johnson, who had 24 points.
“I’m very proud of our team, especially (Couisnard and Dante),” Altman said. “Both of them had incredible performances. You know, the other guys really contributed to it… so it’s really a team effort. But both of these guys are our leaders and they have done a great job.”
What’s next for Oregon?
One of the more fascinating games in the second round, as Altman goes up against his former team.
No. 3 Creighton beat No. 14 Akron 77-60 Thursday morning, so the game between the Ducks and Bluejays will take place Saturday, time still TBD.
Watch a recap of the Ducks’ win over the Gamecocks below.
Live updates from Oregon’s win over South Carolina in the NCAA Tournament
Led by a historic performance from senior guard Jermaine Couisnard, No. 11 Oregon defeated No. 6 South Carolina 87–73 in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
Couisnard scored a career-high 40 points to set the Ducks’ single-game NCAA Tournament scoring record. N’Faly Dante also had 23 points.
With the win, Oregon will face No. 3 Creighton in the second round on Saturday.
Dana Altman faces former team
The third-seeded Bluejays advanced to the second round by defeating No. 14 Akron 77-60 in Pittsburgh on Thursday morning. So Creighton — Oregon coach Dana Altman’s 16-year-old team — awaits the Ducks.
Oregon minutes away from first-round win
With 2:09 to play, the Ducks led South Carolina 78–65 and would have possession before a timeout.
wake up late till 13 o’clock
Oregon is close to winning the first period as it leads 67–54 with 6:58 left to play. Germain Couisnard had 29 points for the Ducks and N’Faly Dante had 22 points.
roaming oregon
By the 14:47 mark of the second half, the Ducks led 51–37. N’Faly Dante had eight points, two rebounds, two blocks and two steals in the second half, and Germain Couisnard had seven points in the second half.
Ducks were ahead 34-29 at halftime
After trailing 20–14, Oregon went on an 18–2 run to take a 32–22 lead with 1:49 left to play. South Carolina made only one field goal in the final 8:21 – a half-court 3-pointer at the buzzer.
Former Gamecock Germain Couisnard is making his way against his former team. The Oregon senior guard led all scorers with 14 points on 6-of-9 shooting. Oregon center N’Faly Dante also had eight points and four rebounds.
FG%: Oregon, 61% (13-for-14). South Carolina, 32% (9 for 28)
3pt%: Oregon, 33% (3 for 9). South Carolina, 33% (4 for 12)
REB: Oregon 16, South Carolina, 16
Services: Oregon, 9. South Carolina, 7
Points away from TO: Oregon, 9. South Carolina, 6
Steals: Oregon, 4. South Carolina, 2
Block: Oregon, 4. South Carolina, 1
Assists: Oregon, 8. South Carolina, 6
game remains close
Back-to-back 3-pointers from South Carolina put the Gamecocks ahead 20–14 with 8:21 left, but Jermaine Couisnard made five consecutive scores for the Ducks to tie the score at a media timeout at 20–14 in South Carolina’s favor. Made it 19. Half is to be played at 7:04.
The score remained equal till the middle of the first half
There are 10:01 left in the first half and the score is 13-13. Oregon led 5-0 but South Carolina went on an 11-2 run to take the lead, but the Ducks got back on track. Oregon is plagued with poor play on offense as it already has seven turnovers that have cost the Gamecocks six points.
Oregon takes an early lead
Jackson Shellstead opened the game with a 3-pointer and the Ducks led 7–5 at the first media timeout. However, three turnovers in the first 4:28 aren’t helping Oregon extend its advantage.
how to see
The game is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. after Creighton and Akron play inside PPG Paints Arena. It will air on TNT with broadcasters Andrew Catalan and Steve Lappas and sideline reporter Evan Washburn. It will also be available on KUJZ-FM (95.3).
Follow Chris Hansen on Twitter @chansen_RG or email [email protected] , For more sports coverage, visit RegisterGuard.com. Want more stories like this? Subscribe to get unlimited access and support local journalism.
