The Willamette varsity basketball team (Eugene, OR) is set to play a home non-conference game against Bend (OR) today at 2:30 PM.

Here’s what you need Basketball to know:

What: Oregon High School Basketball
Who: Willamette vs Bend
When: Saturday, December 21, 2024
Time: 2:30. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch Here

Bend vs. Willamette: A Comparison of 2024-25 Basketball Teams

As we delve into the 2024-2025 high school basketball season, the performances of two Oregon teams, Bend and Willamette, have sparked interest. Both teams have had their share of successes and struggles, but how do they stack up against each other and common opponents?

Overall Records and Performance

• Bend has managed a .500 record with an overall 3-3 record. The team has a balanced performance across home, away, and neutral games, with a notable 1-0 record at home and a mixed record of 1-1 on the road and 1-2 in neutral-site games. Their offensive output has been strong, scoring an average of 57.5 points per game (PPG) and narrowly outscoring their opponents with 345 points scored versus 339 points allowed.
• Willamette, on the other hand, has struggled significantly, posting a 1-5 overall record and a win percentage of just .167. Their home and away performances have been particularly challenging, with a 0-1 home record and a 1-4 record on the road. Willamette has been outscored by opponents, totaling 254 points while allowing 357 points. Their offensive struggles are evident, with a team scoring average of just 42.3 PPG, broken down into 11.0 points in the first quarter, 7.0 points in the second, 6.0 points in the third, and 8.0 points in the final quarter.

Team Scoring Trends

One of the key areas where Bend has outperformed Willamette is in scoring consistency. Bend’s offense has been far more potent, averaging 57.5 PPG, while Willamette has found it difficult to generate consistent offense throughout the game. The stark difference in scoring averages illustrates a significant gap in offensive execution between the two teams.

Willamette’s struggles are particularly noticeable in the first half of games, where their scoring averages are at their lowest. Bend, with a more balanced offensive attack, tends to score more efficiently, especially in the later stages of games, which has likely helped them achieve a .500 record overall.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced Churchill as a common opponent, though their results could not have been more different. Bend is set to play Churchill on December 30, 2024, while Willamette already faced them on December 10, 2024, and suffered a 47-28 loss at home. This loss reflects the challenges Willamette has faced in their season, whereas Bend’s upcoming match may offer a chance to continue their improvement and build on their even record.

Record Breakdown

• Bend’s Record Breakdown:
  • Overall: 3-3
  • Home: 1-0
  • Away: 1-1
  • Neutral: 1-2
  • Non-League: 2-3
  • Head-to-Head: 0-0
  • Common Opponent Record: 0-0
• Willamette’s Record Breakdown:
  • Overall: 1-5
  • Home: 0-1
  • Away: 1-4
  • Neutral: 0-0
  • Non-League: 1-5
  • Head-to-Head: 0-0
  • Common Opponent Record: 0-1

The comparison highlights Bend’s more competitive showing in non-league games and a stronger home record compared to Willamette’s struggles both at home and on the road.

Conclusion

The Bend and Willamette basketball teams exhibit contrasting fortunes in the 2024-2025 season. Bend’s balanced offense, led by a scoring average of 57.5 PPG, has helped them achieve a solid 3-3 record. In contrast, Willamette continues to face challenges, both offensively and defensively, with a lackluster 1-5 record and a team that struggles to generate consistent scoring. Moving forward, Bend looks poised to continue improving, while Willamette will need to address its scoring inefficiencies to improve their chances of success in the remainder of the season.