GAME NOTES: The Oregon Ducks return to action on Sunday when they host the Portland State Vikings in a non-conference clash at Matthew Knight Arena.

Portland State brings a perfect record into this contest, as it has won its first four games of the season. The Vikings have been victorious on the road twice, including a 76-68 win over USC, another team from the Pac-12. They most recently defeated Cal State Northridge (63-55) to begin a four-game road trip, which continues against cross-town rival Portland next.

Oregon has made the trip back from Brooklyn, where it competed in the Legends Classic. The Ducks were handed losses in their two games there, falling to No. 19 Michigan (70-63) and 14th-ranked VCU (77-63). They had won their first three games, which all came in Eugene. They will try to continue the home success for quite some time, as the Ducks will host 10 of their next 11 games.

These teams ran into each other most recently during the 2012-13 season. Oregon secured an 80-69 triumph in that matchup, marking its fourth straight win against the Vikings, and 10th in 13 meetings overall.

Despite playing on the road, Portland State appeared to be more comfortable that host Cal State Northridge last time out. The Vikings connected on a modest 40.7 percent of their shots from the floor, but that included a 7-of-13 effort from 3-point range. Meanwhile, the Matadors only had one of their nine 3-point attempts reach the bottom of the net. Tiegbe Bamba produced 18 points and eight rebounds for the winning side.

Portland State has done well for itself at the offensive end during its 4-0 start. The Vikings are averaging 78.3 points per game and connecting on an even 46 percent of their field goal attempts, which is the same shooting percentage they are allowing to opponents. There are five players averaging in double figures for the Vikings, led by DaShaun Wiggins (16 ppg). Braxton Tucker (13.7 ppg, 8 rpg), Tim Douglas (13.2 ppg), Bryce White (13 ppg) and Bamba (11.5 ppg, 6 rpg) are all getting in on the action as well. Gary Winston (8 ppg, 4.2 apg) isn't scoring much, but he leads the team in assists.

Oregon felt the full wrath of VCU's vaunted defensive scheme last time out. The Ducks only made 37.5 percent of their shots from the floor, while turning the ball over 20 times. They were also outrebounded by a 40-31 margin. Dillon Brooks netted a team-high 15 points on 6-of-12 shooting in the loss, while Joseph Young was limited to nine points on just 2-of-13 accuracy.

Young's efforts against the Rams were considerably less than his normal production. He is averaging 21.4 points per game this season, while making tremendous contributions as a passer as well (4.6 apg). It should be noted that despite his tremendous scoring production, Young is shooting below his usual efficient percentage, making only 40.5 percent of his field goal tries, compared to the 48 percent he made last season. Brooks (13.2 ppg) and Elgin Cook (12.4 ppg, 6.8 rpg) lend a hand in the scoring department as well, but Young is clearly the primary option.

Playing back-to-back quality opponents on unfamiliar ground has a way of dampening even the best player's performances. With Young back home, the Ducks' start should be back to normal and that can mean only one thing for Portland State.