8B SPORTS
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25. 2009
WOMEN'S BASKETBALL
Jayhawks turn to fast break for offense
jjenks@kansan.com
BY JAYSON JENKS
Junior forward Danielle McCray grabbed the ball high out of the air and flipped it ahead to senior guard Ivana Catic, who quickly moved up the court. Soon after, Catic found junior guard Sade Morris streaking toward the basket for a transition layup.
Yes, that's correct, a transition basket for a Kansas team that has often appeared to be moving at a slower-than-slow rate on offense this season.
But in the 79-64 victory against Creighton on Monday in the WNIT second round, Kansas shed its slow-paced, halfcourt offensive approach and pushed the ball up the court in a hurry on a consistent basis for the first time this season.
"It was something new that we needed to do, and we're a good enough team to push the ball," McCray said. "When you push the
WNIT THIRD ROUND
Kansas vs. Arkansas
7 p.m. Thursday
Allen Fieldhouse
Admission is free for students with a valid KUID.
The most obvious reason was that Kansas held a huge advantage in terms of team speed and athleticism, especially with McCray and Morris flying down the sides of the court.
But why now? Why, after a season filled with offensive possessions lasting until the end of the shot clock, did the Jayhawks suddenly look so eager to push the ball up the court?
"Most of the year, I don't think we've been that aggressive throwing stuff over the top," coach Bonnie Henrickson said.
"I realized if Ivana was pushing it, we could both run instead of just coasting," Morris said. "Tonight, she was running. And we were running right along with her, which helped."
But, as has been the case this season, the Jayhawk's defense triggered its offense. Only this time, instead of Catic's walking the ball up the court, Kansas didn't allow Creighton's defense to set up.
and just hope that your shot will fall." Catic said. "It's much easier when you get out. It takes the weight off your shoulders."
Perhaps more than any Jayhawk, Morris's game is suited to a quicker tempo. She scored 21 points, including 14 in the first half, and many of those baskets came by way of transition surges up the court.
Added Morris: "I mean, it's just fun. And it's so much easier, especially when we were struggling so much on offense."
break, McCray and Morris finished opportunity after opportunity against overmatched Creighton defenders.
Morris noticed a change in Catic's approach to the point guard position early and, along with McCray, the two took full advantage of it.
On many missed shots, and in favorable situations, Kansas beat Creighton down the court to get easy buckets. The Jayhawks' 13 fastbreak points were their most since they scored 15 on Dec. 10 against Western Illinois.
After running the length of the court the entire night, Morris took a seat in the media room to discuss the victory that sent Kansas to the third round of the WNIT. When asked whether Kansas had attacked in transition much this season, she smiled.
With Catic feeding them on the
"You know, it's not really fun to just sit in halfcourt offense all night
"No, not like this," Morris said. "This was good. This was good for us."
Edited by Andrew Wiebe
Chance Dibben/KANSAN
Kansas point guard Ivana Catic helped the Jayhawks push the Monday against Creighton in the WIN second round. Kansas scored 13 fast-break points in the 79-64 victory.
ICE SKATING Russian duo currently lead ice dancing championships
LOS ANGELES — Bring on the bulls!
Russia's Oksana Domina and Maxim Shabalin did matadores everywhere proud with a sharp and aggressive paso doble Tuesday, winning the compulsory dance to take the early lead at the world figure skating championships. They scored 40.77, putting them more than a point ahead of Tanith Belbin and Ben Agosto.
Belbin and Agosto, skating for the first time since Agosto injured his back in December, scored 39.65. Reigning world silver medalists Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir were third with 39.37 points. The original dance is Thursday, the free dance on Friday.
since I was a child."
"The paso doble, I like it very much," Shabalin said. "I've liked it
It sure showed.
—and the judges — with flashy introductory steps that didn't even count, the Russians were able to captivate the entire building with one, smoldering look. Somewhere in Spain, there's a bull cowering from the heat of his gaze.
While other couples tried to grab the attention of the audience
Every couple did the exact same pattern, but Domnina and Shabalin stood out for their commanding edge control and expressions. They had beautiful extensions and deep knee bends, and they gave meaning to every movement. His hand motions not only were in perfect time with the music, they were done with such crispness it looked as if he could have cut something.
Even her black dress was perfectly suited, making her look like a cape to his bullfighter.
Associated Press