Oregon State Stuns Tennessee in Knoxville, 66-59

HOLY COW! The Oregon State Women’s Basketball team did something that has never happened: beat Tennessee on their home court in the NCAA Tournament. The Volunteers had won 57 games at home in the Big Dance coming into today’s match-up. This also marks the first time that Oregon State has beaten Tennessee in five tries.

Early on Tennessee was focused on containing Oregon State’s All-American center, Marie Gulich, holding her to no points until after 13 minutes into the game. But nine point runs to start the second quarter and then again to end the third quarter kept the Beavers in this game.

It was a balanced effort by the Beavers’ starters, four of the five scoring double digits. They were led by Mikayla Pivec and her 18 points, seven rebounds, and four assists. Gulich chipped in 14 points after her slow start to go along with 12 rebounds and four blocks. Despite a cold night from behind the arc, Tudor end with 13 points as she was perfect from the charity stripe, going 6-for-6. Katie McWilliams made some big shot on her way to a 12 point and six assist night. Taya Corosdale did a little bit of everything to contribute with seven points, nine rebounds, one assist and a steal. Tennessee was led by Oregon native Mercedes Russell who racked up 21 points, 14 rebounds, four steals, an assist and a steal.

Oregon State advances to the Sweet 16 for the third year in a row! The Beavers will await for the winner between seven seed Michigan and two seed Baylor. Check back in with Building the Dam for more on next week’s match up!