Hebard puts on ‘woman pants’ as Oregon upsets Michigan St
Ruthy Hebard
It took Ruthy Hebard of Fairbanks a little more than a week to go from starting to stardom.
The University of Oregon freshman delivered her first big game against a nationally ranked team, pumping in a double-double as the Ducks destroyed No. 24 Michigan State 88-55 in Eugene, Oregon.
The 6-foot-4 forward pumped in 15 points on near-perfect shooting: 5-for-5 from the field, 5-of-6 from the line.
Hebard, of West Valley High fame, also ripped down 10 rebounds to match her season high.
“The scouting report said to box out and I tried to show them I was the better rebounder,” she told reporters via the school’s website.
Oregon has started the season 4-0, thanks to big production from its underclassmen.
“I think a lot of freshman got a lot of playing time,” she said. “Playing a really good, ranked team, helped us a lot to know that we can hang with the better teams.”
Hebard has been the exception.
She leads the team in rebounding [7.8], field-goal percentage [.850] and free throws [13-of-15]. She also ranks second in scoring [11.8].
She isn’t playing like a freshman anymore.
“Before the game, we said it was time to put on our woman pants,” Hebard said with a laugh. “I think we showed we are women and we could play with other women.”