College basketball fans were treated to an absolute thriller on Tuesday as Oregon and Rutgers battled through regulation and into an exciting overtime period, with the home Scarlet Knights ultimately prevailing 88-85 in a game that showcased the competitive spirit of Big Ten basketball.

The star of the evening was undoubtedly Oregon's Lin, who delivered a performance for the ages. The talented guard demonstrated exceptional shooting skills, connecting from beyond the arc at crucial moments and almost single-handedly keeping the Ducks in contention. Lin's heroics were particularly evident late in regulation, when he scored on four consecutive field goals—three of them from three-point range—to erase a six-point deficit and force overtime. His clutch gene and composure under pressure gave fans plenty to celebrate.

Oregon showed their strength in several statistical categories, out-shooting Rutgers 45% to 43% from the field and dominating the glass with a 43-32 rebounding advantage. The Ducks also excelled in second-chance opportunities, outscoring the Scarlet Knights 21-8 in that department. Their first-half performance was particularly impressive, with the team shooting over 50% from the floor, including remarkable accuracy from three-point range, taking a 45-37 lead into halftime.

The real story, however, was Rutgers' incredible resilience and team depth. The Scarlet Knights demonstrated the kind of never-say-die attitude that makes college basketball so captivating. Down by eight at halftime, they rallied behind outstanding bench production—an astounding 58 points from reserves—showing the program's impressive depth and development. Their ability to get to the free-throw line proved crucial, with the team converting 17 of 19 attempts in the second half, displaying remarkable composure at the charity stripe.

The overtime period provided edge-of-your-seat excitement as both teams fought valiantly for victory. The intensity and passion on display reminded everyone why college basketball creates such devoted fans. Every possession mattered, and both squads left everything on the court.

For Rutgers, this victory represents a significant stepping stone for a program building momentum. The win showcased their growth and potential, with balanced scoring and contributions from throughout the roster proving they're a team on the rise in the competitive Big Ten landscape.

Oregon now has the opportunity to regroup and learn from this hard-fought contest. The Ducks return to the friendly confines of Matthew Knight Arena on Thursday at 7:30 PM to face Ohio State, where their passionate home crowd will provide tremendous support. With Lin's exceptional performance to build upon and a team that showed they can compete with anyone, the Ducks have every reason to be optimistic about the remainder of their season.

Both teams gave fans an unforgettable game that exemplified everything great about college athletics—determination, skill, and heart.