(Editor's note: Oregon sophomore guard Shaquala Williams will share a weekly diary with ESPN.com throughout the season. For more information on the Ducks, visit Oregon's official athletic site.)

March 7, 2000

	Williams

This past week was a great test for our team, and we responded like I had hoped we would. Arizona State was a game that we really needed, and we were able to turn it on and pull out a victory there. But Arizona was even better because every aspect of our team was tested and put on display.

We were down by as many as 22 points (55-33 with less than 16 minutes left) and never gave up. We leaned on each other and would not allow anyone to quit. At halftime we said to each other that if Stanford could come back on us, then we could come back on Arizona (The Ducks proceeded to establish a school record with a 22-point comeback, winning 75-71). I am so proud of how much heart our team showed and the sacrifice that everyone put forth.

Personally, it was really a test. I was so ready to go into halftime and lay it to my teammates, but I realized that they needed me to be encouraging and show my belief -- not disappointment -- in them. I had to try to give them the confidence that we could still win. I just told them that our task was on defense. We had to give them one shot, rebound, and push the other way. They listened and believed in me and we were able to all come together as one.

I played 40 minutes and I was tired, but I just kept saying to myself that I did not have time to be tired and I had to push through despite my fatigue. It all paid off because after that win, I had the greatest feeling. Not because we won, but because we fought and would not give up. That's exactly what we need going into March Madness.

Dan's the man ... and the glue
Assistant coach Dan Muscatell has been one of the best things to happen to our team this season. When they first hired him, I can't say I was all that happy; I did not know him. But now I would not trade him for anybody in the world. He is really the glue that helps keep us together, not physically, but mentally.

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In Arizona, he saw us as a team which was searching for a reason to want to go out and play. He said if we really needed one, then to do it for him. At first I was like, "Get over yourself." But once I thought about it, I really took what he said to heart. He is in such a tough position as a coach because he has to play both sides, but if anyone has been there from day one, it is him. He is always so optimistic and encouraging, no matter what someone else is saying or doing.

He has been a huge reason for my success this year, and I respect him so much and would do anything that he asked of me. We argue sometimes, but in the end he's usually right. He is an awesome coach, and even more, an awesome person. His kids are so lucky to have him for a dad, and I hope they appreciate him as much as I do.

Bring on the Beavers
This is going to be a tough weekend with the Oregon State Beavers coming to town. They dropped two last week that put them out of contention for the Pac-10 title, but there is no one who would love to spoil it more for us than the Beavs. They are playing so well, and more importantly, they play so hard that it is going to be a fight for 40 minutes.

OSU coach Judy Spoelstra has done a great job with that team this year. But it is Senior Night and I think as a team, we owe it to Nicole Strange, the lone senior, to come out and play as hard as we can and try to win it for her. She is such a great person for our team. She is so enthusiastic and just loves life. If we are able to pull out one this weekend for the Pac-10 title, it will really send her out with a bang.