KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- Oregon State was already coasting toward a comfortable win against Western Kentucky in the first round of the NCAA tournament. But after a couple of less-than-productive possessions early in the fourth quarter, Oregon State coach Scott Rueck, calmly, offered some advice during a pause in play: "Don't make it hard."
He didn't seem to direct it at any individual, but sophomore point guard Mikayla Pivec was nearest to the coach at the time. On the ensuing possession, she faced up near the 3-point line on the left wing, split two defenders off the dribble and passed to an open Marie Gulich near the opposite elbow.