Tell us your news: Contact Jessica Tims, jtims@kansan.com, or Matt Gehrke, mgehrke@kansan.com, or call 864-4858. SPORTS WWW.KANSAN.COM/SPORTS THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN 12A THURSDAY, MARCH 13, 2003 SPORTS COMMENTARY Ryan Malashock rmalashock@kansan.com Washington deserving of last shot The look was frighteningly genuine, the serious scowl that consumed Jody Conradt's face yesterday. Conradt, No. 5 Texas' women's basketball coach, likely didn't anticipate even removing her backside from the bench seats at Reunion Arena in Dallas. But here she was, arms crossed and nerves racing, as Kansas led her Texas squad, 15-12, just minutes into its Big 12 tournament quarterfinals game. OK, so what if the Longhorns woke from their nightmare, ran off a 17-0 scoring flurry and blew out the Jayhawks into their season with an 87-56 romp? Let's get back to Conradt's early worries because they hold the key to why Kansas coach Marian Washington deserves one more shot at making Kansas a women's basketball winner. Freshman Erica Hallman stole a pass and darted three-fourths of the court for a layup. Sophomore Blair Waltz popped an 18-footer with ease. Freshman Crystal Kemp tugged away loose balls and rebounds while fellow freshman Tamara Ransburg converted on two post moves. The confidence was staggering, giving Kansas a swagger more suited for the team with the word "State" accompanying Kansas on its jerseys. Because of Washington's track record 27 years of success and three years, the last three, of disappointment — Kansas athletics director Al Bohl owes her the opportunity to show whether she can still lead Kansas into the NCAA Tournament. Short of that next year, Kansas would be intelligent to make a change. All year, Washington's young team showed brief flashes of what could be like yesterday's opening 6 minutes. But no matter the opponent or site of the game, the Jayhawks became unglued. It was understandable. Washington But as quickly as the dominance appeared, it vanished. The Jayhawks got lazy on defense. Texas spotted open shooters. Kansas fired putrid shots. Scoreless possessions became repetitive, and Kansas went more than 9 minutes without scoring. Relief replaced Conradt's dismay, but the fact it surfaced was a testament to Kansas' Washington-led future. Whether or not that future lasts longer than next year, which is the last on Washington's current $210,000-per-year contract, rests upon the extent of the Jayhawks' improvement. It was understandable. Washington see MALASHOCK on page 9A Kansas' magic runs out Women fall to Texas 87-56, end year with 11-18 mark By Ryan Greene rgreene@kansan.com Kansan sportswriter Even with yesterday's 87-56 loss to Texas in the second round of the Big 12 Conference tournament, the Kansas women's basketball team returns to Lawrence on a good note. Lawrence on good news After Tuesday's upset victory in the opening round against Iowa State, not many people expected the Jayhawks (11-18) to stand a chance against the Longhorns (23-5). Kansas held on early, leading by as many as 3 in the first half, but the combination of inexperience and Texas' depth off the bench summed up to a loss. "What I really appreciated was that they've always had some chemistry, but they came together as a unit, especially in that first game," coach Marian Washington said. "They can't wait to get started again, and that kind of attitude is what we've been working towards." We've been working Freshman forward Tamara Ransburg led the Jayhawks with 12 points. The only other Jayhawks to score in double figures were sophomore guard Blair Waltz, with 11, and sophomore guard Stacey Becker with 10. Kansas was consistent on offense, going 23-of-54 from the field and 7-of-8 at the free throw line. The difference for the Longhorns was their forward combination of junior Stacy Stephens and sophomore Heather Rechiber. KANSAS 56 - #7 TEXAS 87 KANSAS(11-18) and sophomore Stephens recorded team-highs with her 27 points and 14 rebounds. Schreiber MILK PARK Blair Waltz 32 5-13 0-0 11 3 3 Crystal Kemp 31 4-5 0-0 8 7 3 Tamara Ransburg 31 6-10 0-0 12 5 0 Lella Mangigc 18 0-3 0-0 0 3 1 Aquana Burras 18 3-8 0-4 9 3 2 Keile Beachem 20 3-8 0-4 9 3 2 Stacey Spencer 21 3-8 2-2 10 0 0 Halman Lind 28 2-7 0-0 4 1 3 Nichelle Roberts 11 0-0 2-2 2 4 1 Brandi McGinest 3 0-0 0-0 0 0 1 Team Totals 200 23-54 7-8 56 29 12 TEXAS (23-5) | Player | Min. | FGM-A | FTM-A | TP | Reb. A | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Kala Bowers | 21 | 5-9 | 1-3 | 12 | 4 | | Heather Schreiber 32 | 28 | 5-11 | 3-6 | 14 | 10 | | Stacy Stephens | 28 | 12-16 | 2-4 | 14 | 12 | | Jameie Carey | 28 | 13-26 | 2-4 | 11 | 0 | | Tamera Gobbs | 28 | 3-6 | 0-4 | 6 | 5 | | Jody Bell | 7 | 0-1 | 0-0 | 0 | 2 | | Alisha Sare | 12 | 0-3 | 0-0 | 0 | 0 | | Nina Norman | 28 | 0-4 | 0-0 | 0 | 3 | | Coco Reed | 12 | 1-5 | 1-3 | 3 | 1 | | Annie Hirstings | 4 | 0-1 | 0-0 | 0 | 2 | | Marcia Williams | 7 | 5-5 | 0-0 | 10 | 1 | | Team | | | | | 0 | | Total | 200 | 36-67 | 10-20 | 87 | 41 | added 14 points and 10 rebounds. Ransburg, who defended Stephens for the majority of the game, said she respected her opponent and valued the experience. "She's just an awesome player allaround," Ransburg said. "It's very competitive to go in there and play defense on her. It's a really good experience." The players and coaches were still upbeat about their experience in Dallas following yesterday's game. Waltz emphasized the excitement that now surrounded the team for next season. Kansas' Leila Mengue tries to steal the ball from Texas' Jamie Carey during the Jayhawks' 87-56 loss at the Big 12 Conference tournament in Dallas. Mengue later injured her knee in the loss that closed the season for the Kansas women. "This year, I just thought that we were aggressive all the time and worked together as a team." Waltz said. "It gives us just great confidence going into next year. It's just such a positive experience for the young club that we have." Edited by Ryan Wood Kansas leads teams in Big 12 tournament Kansas (24-6,14-2 Big 12 Conference) By John Domoney jdomoney@kansan.com Kansan sportswinter Who to watch: Most of the attention for the Jayhawks is heaped on seniors Nick Collison and Kirk Hinrich. However, it is sophomore point guard Aaron Miles whose play often dictates the team's success. Coach Roy Williams does not need Miles to carry the scoring load; Williams and the Jayhawks need a solid floor game from Miles. Odds of a Jayhawk championship: Obviously any team carrying the No.1 seed is a favorite to leave Dallas with championship hardware. The question for Kansas is whether a lack of depth will limit the Jayhawks' chances of winning three games in three days. Texas (22-5, 13-3) the Longhorns a solid third scoring option. Odds of a Longhorn championship: Not many teams in the Big 12 Conference can match the depth of Texas, and nobody has a better point guard than Ford. The Longhorns carry the momentum of ending Oklahoma's home court winning streak to end the season. American Airlines Center is sure to be full of fans clad in burnt orange. Who to watch: T.J. Ford and James Thomas gets the headlines, but Brandon Mouton provides the spark averaging 14.2 points per game. Mouton is a streaky shooting swingman who gives Oklahoma (21-6, 12-4) Who to watch: Senior Hollis Price garnered Big 12 player of the year honors earlier this week, but fellow senior guard Quannas White makes the Sooners one of the top teams in the country. In the Sooner's 77-70 victory over Kansas in February, White hit for 19 points on 7 of 9 shooting. Odds of a Sooner championship: Oklahoma has won the last two Big 12 tournaments, and Kelvin Sampson preaches the type of rugged defense that can carry a team a long way in a tournament setting. Who to watch: Senior guard Melvin Sanders is an opposing coaches nightmare. Sanders provides senior leadership for coach Eddie Sutton, and Sanders has the ability to shut down an opposing team's best scorer with suffocating defense. Odds of a Cowboy championship: Sutton will never be out coached by any other coach in the Big 12 The key to the Cowboy's chances will rest on offensive production for a team that thrives on its defense. Oklahoma State (21-8, 10-6) Missouri (18-9, 9-7) Who to watch: Arthur Johnson can be a dominant force in the paint for the Tigers with unrelenting energy on the offensive boards. In an upset victory over Oklahoma, Johnson scored 20 points and neutralized the Sooner bigmen. The problem is that Johnson's teammates do not always get him the ball. He took only 11 shots against Kansas in the season finale. Odds of a Tiger championship: The Tigers proved they could be a dangerous tournament team with their run to the Elite Eight in last year's NCAA tournament. The Tigers wasted an opportunity to get a first-round bye with losses to Iowa State and Kansas to end the season. Colorado (19-10, 9-7) Who to watch: David Harrison and Stephane Pelle draw a lot of defensive attention in the post, but junior guard Blair Wilson is the Buffaloes' sharpshooter who can spread the floor. Wilson proved he can produce in a big-game atmosphere when he scored 21 points against Kansas in Allen Fieldhouse. Odds of a Buffalo championship: Colorado has shown no ability to win away from home this season with a 1-7 road record in the conference. Coach Ricardo Patton might need to nab a victory against Kansas State today to solidify his team's spot in the NCAA tournament. Texas Tech (16-11, 6-10) Who to watch: Junior guard Andre Emmett led the Big 12 in scoring this sea SEE BIG 12 ON PAGE 9A WATCH ANY GAME FROM ANY REGION @ HENRY T'S MARCH 20TH THROUGH APRIL 7TH ON OUR March Madness Full Court Package FOOD AND DRINK SPECIALS EVERYDAY 749-2999 Regents Court Apartments Large 3&4 BR,2 full bath apartments for rent with Washer & Dryer Modern Decor Large fully Applianced Kitchen including Microwave & Dishwasher Gas Heat & Hot Water Central Heat & Air Off street parking On KU bus route 24 hr. Emergency maintenance For more information call 841-1212 or 842-4455 6TH AND KASOLD EHO Mon.-Fri. 9-5 1