Here's an opportunity that, thankfully, doesn't come along every day.

Yesterday I was sent off to cover a women's college basketball game. The visiting team rolled into the little outpost of intellectual stimulation we call Pullman, Washington, ranked 18th in the nation. As far as I know, they left still ranked 18th. They weren't the opportunity.

No, that would be reserved for the home team. The poor Cougars of Washington State. It was their 36th consecutive loss. The last time this team won a women's basketball game was November 29, 2001.

Now, there are difficult things to do in the newspaper business. Meet ridiculous deadlines. Interview nasty people.

But there is nothing so self-conscious as talking to someone in the middle of a lingering death that will likely continue on for some time -- at least until the next team rolls into town.

I mean, how do you ask questions in this situation? Uh, say coach? How does this can of whupass compare to the 35 cans of whupass that were opened up on you before this one?

To be fair, there is a new coach at the helm, and the Cougs are definitely headed in the right direction. The coach is positive with her players and is building a program where previously there was only wreckage. Still, in that situation every question you ask has that ``Aside from that, how did you like the play, Mrs. Lincoln?'' feel to it.

The Arizona coach passed out a compliment. She told her WSU counterpart that her team looks much better on tape than their record would indicate.

Jeez. The final insult. They've been saying that in Hollywood now for years.

More soon.