Porter and Oregon run past Pepperdine

EUGENE, Ore. -- Tajuan Porter did his best to help No. 12 Oregon forget about Aaron Brooks.

The sophomore point guard had 17 points and a career-high nine assists in the Ducks’ 100-70 season-opening victory over Pepperdine in the World Vision International tournament on Saturday night.

It was Oregon’s 16th straight season-opening win, the longest streak in the Pacific 10 Conference. It was also the Ducks’ first game in four seasons without Brooks, the scoring and assist leader on last season’s team that reached the NCAA tournament regional finals.

“My role has changed a little bit from last year,” said Porter, who started alongside Brooks and was the team’s second-leading scorer at 14.6 points. “This year, I have to score and share the ball.”

Oregon Coach Ernie Kent was pleased with his sophomore’s performance.

“I thought he had a terrific floor game and making plays for us against their press,” Kent said.

Bryce Taylor and Malik Hairston also scored 17 points each for Oregon.

Malcolm Thomas scored 22 points and Daniel Johnson added 13 for the Waves.

Leading, 44-22, the Ducks outscored Pepperdine, 9-1, in the final minute of the half to take a 53-23 lead into the break.

The Ducks shot 52% for the game.