Ehis Etute Leads Oregon to 68-61 Win Over No. 16 Maryland With Career High Performance

COLLEGE PARK, Md. — Ehis Etute scored a career-high 26 points and collected 11 rebounds to lead Oregon to a 68-61 victory over No. 16 Maryland on Saturday, marking a critical win in the Ducks’ Big Ten schedule.

Etute shot 10 of 15 from the field and 6 of 8 from the free-throw line, providing the Ducks (17-7, 5-6 Big Ten) with a strong inside presence. Guard Sofia Bell added 16 points, including four 3-pointers, helping Oregon control the perimeter. Oregon pulled away late following an 11-0 run with 2:39 remaining, establishing a lead Maryland could not overcome.

Maryland (17-6, 5-6 Big Ten) briefly cut the deficit to two points with 27 seconds remaining after Addi Mack made a layup and converted two free throws. Oregon responded by making five of six free throws down the stretch, securing the win and extending Maryland’s losing streak to four games.

Maryland’s first half was dominated by Oluchi Okananwa, who scored 23 of her 27 points before halftime on 11-of-17 shooting. Mack added 17 points overall, but the Terrapins could not maintain momentum after the early lead. Maryland had a 14-0 run to close the first half and led 36-30 at intermission, but Oregon’s adjustments in the second half, including improved defensive rotations and rebounding, turned the tide.

The win has significant implications for Oregon’s postseason outlook. With this victory, the Ducks improve to .500 in conference play, enhancing their positioning for an NCAA tournament bid. The late-game performance of Etute highlights her potential as a key player for Oregon’s tournament push, particularly in matchups against high-caliber Big Ten opponents.

Maryland, meanwhile, faces a pivotal road test against No. 13 Michigan State on Wednesday. The Terrapins will need to adjust their defensive schemes and offensive execution to break their losing streak.

Oregon will host Illinois on Wednesday, aiming to maintain momentum and strengthen its conference standing.