Scott Rueck Questions Value of Playing Rival Oregon Game
Oregon State head coach Scott Rueck has raised questions about the value of continuing the rivalry with the Oregon Ducks. His comments came after a recent loss where the Ducks, led by coach Kelly Graves, triumphed 96-73 at Matthew Knight Arena. This game highlighted a significant disparity between the two programs at this time.
Rueck’s Perspective on the Rivalry
Rueck expressed that he would prefer not to play against Oregon right now. “If it were up to me,” he stated, “we wouldn’t be playing this game. Not yet.” His opinion is shaped by a longstanding recognition of the rivalry’s importance, particularly in light of the changes within the Pac-12 Conference.
After experiencing a strong second half, where his team won the third quarter 24-15, Rueck noted the Ducks’ impressive performance. Oregon shot an outstanding 68% from the field and forced 22 turnovers, showcasing their dominance throughout the match.
Reasons for Reevaluating the Rivalry
- Rueck emphasized the need for balance before resuming the rivalry.
- He believes the current conditions do not do justice to the historical significance of the matchups.
- With recent conference realignments, he feels it’s wise to pause the rivalry until programs stabilize.
Rueck commented, “I think it should just be put on hold for a minute as we’re recalibrating. There’s too much unrest right now.” His team is ranked to win the West Coast Conference, but they face challenges despite previously beating a Big Ten opponent, Illinois.
Performance Highlights
In the recent game, Ducks guard Katie Fiso stood out with a career-high 14 assists and 23 points. Fiso, originally a recruit for OSU, demonstrated her skills and contributed significantly to Oregon’s victory. Rueck acknowledged her performance and the overall talent gap between the two teams.
Local Players in the Spotlight
Several local players participated in the game, adding a personal touch to the rivalry. Oregon State’s Tiara Bolden hails from Eugene, while Kennedie Shuler has roots in Portland. Additionally, Jenna Villa, a transfer from Washington State, led OSU with a career-high 27 points.
Looking Ahead
Rueck’s reluctance to continue the rivalry stems from a desire to preserve its significance. He noted last season’s experiences in national tournaments, including a loss to Vanderbilt, and emphasized the need for both programs to find stability.
Ultimately, Rueck advocates for a measured approach, suggesting, “Let’s get our bearings back, and then let’s talk about re-upping.” This approach underlines his commitment to maintaining the integrity of the rivalry for future generations.
