The road to success in college basketball gets bumpier as the season progresses.

On Sunday in Eugene, UCLA men’s basketball (7-1, 1-0 Big Ten) will take on its most daunting opponent of the season yet in No. 12 Oregon (9-0, 1-0).

Oregon is undefeated thus far, having most recently defeated fellow Pac-12-turned-Big Ten opponent USC. In Oregon’s prior game, it knocked over then-No. 9 Alabama.

Although UCLA’s defense is off to a stellar start – boasting the No. 1 scoring defense in the nation – similar offensive surges have lagged in recent games. Against the Huskies on Dec. 3, the Bruins went 25-for-60 on field goals and 8-for-21 from deep.

“That’s what’s missing,” said coach Mick Cronin after the victory over the Huskies. “A bunch of shots that were extremely makeable. Our passing, our team play, our execution was good. We rebounded it as hard as we could.”

Ironically, UCLA’s Sunday opponent seems to be facing the same sort of troubles, with Oregon going 21-for-55 overall and shooting 34.8% behind the arc against USC. In its victory over Alabama, Oregon logged a 29.4% clip from the 3-point line.

“For us to be a really good team, we got to get the ball in the basket,” Cronin said. “You’re only going to be as good as your production.”

Sophomore guard Sebastian Mack and junior forward Tyler Bilodeau put the Bruins’ attacking efforts on their backs against the Huskies, while junior guard Dylan Andrews and senior guard Kobe Johnson – two highly anticipated players prior to this season’s commencement – faded to the background.

However, Bilodeau, who has been an offensive bright spot for the Bruins, will have to put in similar work on the other end of the court – as mandated by his coach.

“I got to be better defensively,” Bilodeau said, “Moving my feet, anticipating where the ball is and where my defender is. Just overall, so I’ll be better.”

Oregon boasts an array of offensive weapons that pose a threat to UCLA’s defense. Guard Keeshawn Barthelemy posted 40 points through the Ducks’ two most recent matchups, while seven-foot center Nate Bittle has put in double digits in scoring in all but two games this season.

But amid the prospect of adversity, Mack said the squad would focus on not allowing its opponent to get into a rhythm offensively.

“Be aggressive with it. Don’t let them feel comfortable,” Mack said. “Because when the comfortable teams like them guys, they can get us up. We just went in to practice and was talking about just, can’t let these guys get comfortable and get what they want.”

The Bruins will tip off against the Ducks on Sunday at 3 p.m. at the Matthew Knight Arena for their second Big Ten contest of the season.