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THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
FRIDAY JANUARY 30, 2020
SPORTS
7B
WOMEN'S (CONTINUED FROM 1B)
and find shooters when they're not contested, when they're not in pressure, when they're not challenged," coach Bonnie Henrickson said. "We did that earlier in the year but it hasn't looked like that recently."
That must change against Texas A&M on Saturday. The Jayhawks are in the middle of a three-game losing streak and have lost four of their last five. And seventh ranked Texas
"We have to make sure that we take advantage of every single chance we get."
A&M offers the most athletically talented — and highest ranked team Kansas has faced this season.
Facing a team with as much length and sheer athleticism as the Aggies posses, the Jayhawks are well aware that every scoring opportunity — and every chance to knock down an open three — will be crucial.
many errors."
"We have to make sure that we take advantage of every single chance we get," Smith said. "Teams like that, that are ranked like that, they aren't going to let you have
NICOLLETTE SMITH Sophomore forward
During Kansas' current threegame losing streak, the layhawks have made just seven of 31 threepointers (23 percent). That number is nowhere near proficient, Kansas' success behind the arc earlier in the season makes that stat more alarming.
The Jayhawks have ranked in the top five nationally in three-
point percentage for much of the season. But, since conference play started, Kansas is connecting on just 31 percent of its three-point attempts and has twice been held to just one three-pointer in games.
"It's definitely a big change once you
get into conference," Smith said. "You're (playing) better better coaches who know how to scout and they have players that can play against your tendencies better."
But Henrickson hinted that Kansas' struggles have less to do with opponents and more to do with how and when the lajahawks are shooting three-pointers. In the first 13 games of the season, many of Kansas' threes were open looks created by transition.
The Jayhawks know that if they want to compete against the better teams in the Big 12, such as
the Aggies, they'll need the three point shot to create more space on offense. Without it, teams can sag defensively inside, clogging up the middle.
And with the extra shooting this week, Kohn and Smith are hoping they can provide an outside threat.
"For me, if I'm in the game and I get the ball, I just think I've made 100 of these, what's one more in a game?" Kohn said. "That's something that's definitely helped us."
MORRIS PROBABLE FOR SATURDAY
Junior guard Sade Morris has eagerly awaited her return to the court since suffering a Grade 2 concussion on Jan. 17. And, barring any setbacks the rest of the week, Morris should get her wish on Saturday.
"What looks like a green light now," coach Bonnie Henrickson said, "hopefully stains green."
Henrickson said that if Morris is healthy enough to play, Kansas' second leading scorer will start against Texas A&M.
"What's she going to gain from sitting there watching?" Henrickson said. "I'd rather get her on the floor, let her get rid of the jitters she might have and let her play through that right away."
— Edited by Sam Speer
Kansas vs. Texas A&M
Kansas (12-6, 1-4) vs. Texas A&M(16-3, 4-2)
| P | No. | Kansas | Ht. | Yr. | PPG |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| G | 3 | Ivana Catic | 5-8 | Sr. | 2.8 |
| G | 4 | Danielle McCray | 5-11 | Jr. | 19.1 |
| G | 20 | Sade Morris | 5-11 | Jr. | 12.3 |
| F | 24 | Nicollette Smith | 6-2 | So. | 7.0 |
| C | 14 | Krysten Boogaard | 6-5 | So. | 10.5 |
P No. Texas A&M Ht. Yr. PPG
G 51 Sydney Colson 5-8 So. 5.6
G 3 Takia Starks 5-8 Sr. 15.9
F 55 Danielle Gant 5-11 Sr. 14.3
F 21 Adaora Elonu 6-1 Fr. 6.1
C 12 La Toya Micheaux 6-3 Sr. 3.1
When/Where...
Who to watch for...
Tipoff scheduled for 4:00 p.m. Saturday at Reed Airn in College Station, Texas.
Watch senior guard Tania Starks. She has stepped up her game in conference play, averaging 38 minutes and nearly 19 points. Texas & A&M head coach Gary Blair says she is "definitely a next-level player," referring to her WNBA-style skills. She doesn't shoot the three well, but she can penetrate as well as any guard in the big 12.
What to expect...
An Aggie team that will not overlook the Jayhawks simply because it plays other Big 12 North teams Iowa State and Nebraska in its two games after Kansas. Texas A&M came out of a tough Big 12 South gauntlet with a 2-2 record and is looking to build on its conference record with a win against Kansas.
Why Kansas will win...
It will all come together for the Jayhawks. They arguably played their best game of the conference season so far in a loss against K-State, and that was without junior Sade Morris. With Morris back in action, look for Kansas to get better three-point opportunities off her penetrations.
How the game is important...
Kansas found out it can hang with a good Big 12 team in its loss against Kansas State last Saturday. With the emergence of freshman Aishah Sutherland and the reappearance of Morris, coach Bonnie Henrickson will finally see this team's ultimate potential.
Magic number.
7 — Texas A&M's rank in the USA Today/ ESPN poll, Kansas is in for a test.
Clark Goble
TRACK AND FIELD
Jake Breth, Wichita junior, clears a series of hurdles during a practice session Thursday in the Anchors Sports Pavilion. Breath, a defaithile, will travel with the rest of the KU Track and Field Team to Lincoln, Neb. this weekend for Saturday's Adidas Classic.
Ryan McGeeney/KANSAN
BASKETBALL
(CONTINUED FROM 1B)
posed to do.
players into their niche. Self
wants freshman guard Tyshawn Taylor to think more like a point guard and find shots for other people before taking his own. Self has to remind
"I come in off the bench ready to shoot," Reed said.
His teammates have seen it enough times to foresee what's going to happen. Before Reed even released his second three-
"He's a shooter. That's what they do. He just shoots the ball and doesn't worry about everything else."
treshman forwards Marcus and Markieff Morris that grabbing rebounds should be their primary objective.
Reed knows what he's sup.
pointer in the Nebraska game, the players on the Kansas bench rose and turned their eyes toward Reed on the wing.
SHERRON COLLINS Junior guard
"If he gets space," junior guard Mario Little said. "I know he's."
going to let it go."
The situation repeats itself.
Edited by Justin Leverett
TENNIS (CONTINUED FROM 1B)
Hungary, senior, led the swarm winning both her singles and doubles matches that day.
KU tennis is armed with fresh wings, a flock of leaders and a dedication to team play this season.
"We have a group atmosphere and everyone loves each other. We are going to work well together, so I am really expecting a good season." Dorn said.
Predictions for this weekend? "It's gonna be competitive." Hall-Holt said. "We gotta play hard to win, but all three are very winnable matches."
- Edited by Liz Schubauer
Team seeks to bounce back
jbaker@kansan.com
On Saturday, freshman Keith Hayes will channel his inner Rocky Balboa.
BY JASON BAKER
"I gotta go out like the Stallion," the Wichita freshman said.
The Kansas track and field team was defeated at home by Missouri in a dual meet two weeks ago. Like Rocky, the team has spent its downtime training for what could be an important victory at the Adidas Classic indoor track meet in Lincoln, Neb., this weekend.
Kansas Coach Stanley Redwine said the team is adjusting to the more difficult training routine it has followed since the beginning of the year.
"When you first come back and go into two-a-days, your body has to get used to that." he said.
For Hayes, the last meet was a learning experience.
"It showed that I need to compete at my highest potential," he said. "Even if the competition is less than the national meet, I still have to compete hard no matter what."
Haves will participate this weekend in the 60-meter hurdles, the 200-meter dash and the 4x100 meter relay. Hayes said the main goal this weekend is stepping up and getting an automatic time in the 60-meter hurdle event, which would assure him a place in the indoor championship.
On the women's side, senior Victoria Howard will participate in the 200-meter dash and the X4400 meter relay. Howard said that the week off was beneficial for the team. "Competing can get you in shape. But I feel that being able to train will always be able to make us stronger as competitors."
In the distance events, senior Colby Wissel is looking forward to competing in his home state of Nebraska. The Elm Creek, Neb., native considers it like a home meet for himself. Wissel will be competing in the men's 3,000-meter run.
WHERE: Devaney Center Indoor Track, Lincoln, Neb.
WHAT: Adidas Invita tional
After coming in a disappointing second place in the women's mile, junior Lauren Bonds is looking to bounce back in Lincoln.
"These extra two weeks of middle distance training definitely helps. I feel like I have a little bit of my speed back." Bonds said.
WHEN: 1:30 p.m.
WHO: Kansas, Nebraska, Wichita State, Florida State, Illinois, Minnesota and Alabama
In the long jump event, senior
"I have to say, you know, I wish the Cardinals the best," Obama said diplomatically. "You know, Kurt Warner is a great story, and he's
Along with competing against Nebraska, the Jayhawks will face off against teams such as Wichita State, Illinois and nationally ranked Florida State.
"There are a lot of teams from the Big 12, so they'll be a lot of good competition," he said.
Dustin Turner said he was feeling good about this weekend.
"If you want to be the best, you have to compete against the best." Redwine said. "We want our athletes to know what it's like to be No. 1."
Edited by Justin Leverett
President to root for Pittsburgh
WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama said he's pulling for the Pittsburgh Steelers over the Arizona Cardinals in football's biggest game on Sunday — and he did so with a politician's touch.
NFL
Obama said Thursday that he would root for Pittsburgh against the "long-suffering" and "great Cinderella story" Cardinals. His spokesman also said the president would have friends as well as a bipartisan group of lawmakers over to the White House to watch the game.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Warner, Arizona's 37-year-old quarterback, came out of nowhere about a decade ago to take the St. Louis Rams to two Super Bowls, including a title in 2000. Just when he seemed washed up, Warner rose to the top again this year with a stellar performance. His team was not expected to make the playoffs, let alone get to the title game.
closer to my age than anybody else on the field"
Steelers owner Dan Rooney, a longtime Republican, endorsed Obama's presidential bid and campaigned for him. During Oval Office remarks, Obama noted that one of the Steelers most beloved former players, Franco Harris, had campaigned for him in Pittsburgh, too.
"Other than the (Chicago) Bears."
Obama spokesman Robert Gibbs said the invitation to watch the Super Bowl in the White House is part of the new administration's efforts to work across the political aisle, similar to his bipartisan cocktail party Wednesday night at the executive mansion.
Obama said, "the Steelers are probably the team that's closest to my heart."
"You know, the president also wanted last night to be a little bit more social, you know, so that individuals could better get to know each other and understand where they're coming from in these legislative disagreements," Gibbs told reporters Thursday. "But, again, you know, the president's outreach on this will continue."
Are you a junior?
Are you a Tradition Keeper member?
Are you interested in a FREE CLASS RING?
Then "Just for Juniors" is for YOU!
For an application and more information, go to www.kualumni.org/rings. Deadline to apply is February 9. If you are not a current Tradition Keeper member, you may join at the time of application for the Just for Juniors ring award.
Just for Juniors is a program that will honor one upperclassmen at KU with a free class ring. The award is for any student that is currently in their third year at KU, with at least 60 KU credit hours, a 3.0 GPA, and is currently a member of Tradition Keepers, the student membership program of the KU Alumni Association.
The winner will receive a free ring of their choice. This award is sponsored by the Student Alumni Association, the KU Alumni Association and Balfour Rings.
For questions, contact Jennifer Alderdice at 864-4760 or jalderdice@kualumni.org