Oregon entered its game against No. 3 Michigan on January 17 with a tough set of challenges. The team was missing two of its top players due to injuries, had fallen into a three-game losing streak, and was still reeling from a historically poor loss. These factors seemed to point toward another lopsided defeat. However, the Ducks delivered one of their most inspiring performances of the season, led by a makeshift lineup and a standout performance from forward Sean Stewart.

Despite this effort, it wasn’t enough to overcome the Wolverines.

In a Big Ten Conference men’s basketball game held at Matthew Knight Arena, Oregon fell to Michigan 81-71. A late surge in the first half allowed the Ducks to take a lead at halftime, but they were unable to maintain that momentum in the second half. Coach Dana Altman expressed disappointment with the outcome but praised the team’s effort.

“Disappointed with the result, not disappointed with the effort,” Altman said. “We just didn’t have enough fight or firepower that second half to get it done.”

Stewart was the standout performer for Oregon, scoring a career-high 22 points and grabbing eight rebounds. He made 10 of his 14 field-goal attempts, setting new personal bests in both makes and shot attempts. Additionally, he hit his first 3-pointer of the season, marking a significant milestone for the player.

Kwame Evans Jr. contributed 18 points and seven rebounds, while Takai Simpkins added 12 points. Unfortunately, the Ducks were without key players, including starting center Nate Bittle, who was seen moving around on a scooter with his left foot in a boot, and point guard Jackson Shelstad, who is likely out for the season due to a hand injury.

Bittle leads the team in scoring with 16.3 points per game and averages 6.7 rebounds. Shelstad, who is second in scoring (15.6) and leads the team in assists (59) and steals (17), was also absent.

“It’s an adjustment,” Altman said. “Guys are going to have to step up and play a bigger role.”

Oregon was also without reserve guard Jamari Phillips, who was benched after being late to shootaround on Saturday.

The Ducks overcame an 11-point deficit and an early shooting slump to take a 41-40 lead at halftime. They trailed 21-10 at the midpoint of the first half and were down 35-27 with 5:57 remaining before mounting an 11-2 run to take a 38-37 lead with 1:56 left until halftime.

The Wolverines regained the lead in the final minute of the half, but Wei Lin hit a deep 3-pointer at the buzzer to put Oregon ahead, sending the crowd of 8,750 into a frenzy as the teams headed to their locker rooms. Lin, who scored 11 points in the first half to help spark the Ducks’ rally, went scoreless in the second half, missing all eight of his field-goal attempts, including 0-for-5 from beyond the arc.

Elliot Cadeau led Michigan with 17 points, as the Wolverines outshot (49%-42%) and outrebounded (36-30) Oregon. However, the Ducks excelled in some hustle stats, scoring 21 points off 14 turnovers, recording more second-chance points (20-12), and making more steals (9-7).

“I think it shows them if they play connected on the offensive end and the defensive end, they’re going to give themselves an opportunity,” Altman said.

What’s next for Oregon men’s basketball?

The Ducks will host Michigan State at 6 p.m. on Tuesday at Matthew Knight Arena.