The Sports Xchange
Nov 11, 2017
A new year means a new start for Oregon's Roman Sorkin.
Sorkin -- who played sparingly on last year's run to the Final Four -- erupted for a career-high 23 points as the Ducks defeated Coppin State 70-54 to begin the season.
Sorkin's previous career high was 15 points last year but he surpassed that total in the first half, outscoring Coppin State by himself. He finished the game 4-of-5 from deep with seven rebounds.
Freshman Troy Brown also began his college career on a high note, finishing with 18 points and five rebounds. He scored seven of Oregon's first 10 points, showing off a smooth jumper and exceptional athleticism.
Oregon's youth showed when the Ducks struggled midway through the first half, scoring five points over a seven-minute period. But, Sorkin drained a long 3-pointer that ignited a 23-7 run to end the half, giving the Ducks a 42-14 lead at the break.
Even with the victory, the second half showed just how far Oregon still has to go to contend in the Pac-12. The Ducks allowed Coppin State to close the gap to 10 points (64-54) with 2:40 to play before pulling away.
For the game, Oregon shot 44.1 percent (26-for-59) and 27.6 percent (8-for-29) from beyond the arc. Likewise, Coppin State was limited to 28.1 percent (16-for-57) and 26.7 percent (8-for-30) from deep.
The Ducks return to action Monday night when they host Prairie View A&M at 6 p.m.