Oregon has survived two close games to open the season, and the Ducks hope to stay undefeated on Wednesday night when they meet South Dakota State in a non-conference contest in Eugene, Ore.

Center Nate Bittle, one of the top returning players from last season's NCAA Tournament team, is off to a strong start for the Ducks (2-0). Bittle is averaging 18.5 points and 11 rebounds per game and has made 15 of 18 free throws, the most on the team.

The Ducks have a one-point win over Hawaii, with Elon transfer Takai Simpkins driving for the game-winning layup with three seconds to play. Oregon added a 67-63 win over Rice, in which the Ducks worked the ball inside to Bittle and others and got to the foul line often.

Guard Jackson Shelstad returned from a hand injury that forced him out of the se

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