THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2008 SPORTS 3B KU TIPOFF AT A GLANCE Can Kansas answer a Texas run in the second half? Last week Kansas was on fire and playing for a possible NCAA berth. Fast-forward seven days and the Jayhawks are losers of two in a row to the two worst teams in the Big 12. Their road woes are something to behold as they're now 0-7 in conference games away from Allen Fieldhouse. There is still a chance for Kansas to impress the selection committee, but right now it's about putting those losses behind them. No one likes to end another team's 10-game losing streak (Missouri), and the Jayhawks should be eager to get that taste out of their mouths. QUESTION MARK Coming out of halftime flat has been the kiss of death for the Jayhawks lately. It's the reason both Missouri and Texas Tech opened up large leads late in the game. Not only is it crushing for Kansas to see its opposition score at will for a period of five to eight minutes, but it also has a lasting effect on its play the rest of the game, too. It'll be interesting to see how Henrickson's team performs in the first four to six minutes of the second half. That period of time, more than any other stretch in the game, will give an indication as to whether the Jayhawks can come out with a win. LONGHORNS VISIT JAYHAWKS Strong finish could help a postseason bid for Kansas KANSAS VS. TEXAS,7 p.m., Allen Fieldhouse McCray Danielle McCray, 5-foot-11 sophomore guard 14.8 ppg, 7.3 rpg McCray went to another level in the second half on Sunday; too bad she needed to go up a couple of levels. McCray's stellar play for about five straight possessions late in the game wasn't enough to make up for the entire team's uninspired play. Boogaard Krysten Boogaard, 6-foot-5 freshman center — 9.7 ppg, 5.7 rpg Boogaard had a heck of a time trying to get position against the Missouri defense and never really found her groove. Despite the defensive pressure down low, the Kansas guards kept feeding her the ball and it led to several of the team's 19 turnovers. Taylor Mcintosh, 5-foot-11 senior forward 6.5 ppg, 6.5 rpg After having so much trouble guarding Alysse Holins Sunday, Raven could have a similar performance against the Jayhawks. She doesn't shoot the three nearly as well as Hollins does, but Raven is a physical perimeter player who is shooting more than five free throws per contest. Texas' chances will hinge on whether Raven can get into the paint and finish. Brittainley Raven, 6-foot-0 sophomore guard — 15.1 ppg, 4.7 pg With just three games left in her career at Kansas, McIntosh should start playing every game like it's her last — because that's not far from the truth. She plays some of the best defense on the team and a couple of those big blocks would be huge for momentum against Texas. McIntosh Ashley Lindsey, 6-foot-4 Junior forward —11.6 inch, 6.9 inch Lindsey is having a productive season, and her numbers are even higher in Big 12 Conference play. What is so surprising about her performance? Raven in the post is that the talented junior has only 32 free throw attempts in 27 games. That number is extremely low, but by shooting better than 50 percent from the field she makes up for that shortcoming. Carla Cortijo, 5-foot-7 junior guara - 9.6 ppg, 4.7 apg 9. 6 ppg/4.7 pg Kansas will have to be sure to limit Cortijo's freedom with the ball because if she gets free, Raven and Lindsey will get plenty of open looks. If the Jayhawks can force her to make mistakes (she has 128 assists to 96 turnovers), the Longhorns will be in for a long night. Cortijo doesn't make a high percentage of her shots from the field, but Lindsey she gets to the free-throw, line, and quick guards have troubled asas in the past. Cortijo UT TIPOFF AT A GLANCE Andrew Wiebe The Longhorns are in exactly the same Big 12 position as the Jayhawks, at 4-9, and neither team is showing many signs of progress as of late. Coach Gail Goestenkors will eventually get things turned around in Texas, but it has been a tough year for her team. But Longhorn fans shouldn't be concerned, because Goestenkors has the third highest winning percentage in NCAA women's basketball history among active coaches. QUESTION MARK Can Texas force Kansas to continue to turn the ball over 20 times per contest? On the season, Texas is forcing opponents into 20.1 turnovers per game. That number is right in line with the Jayhawks turnover average, and if the Longhorns can play to their potential defensively, they shouldn't have a problem dispatching their struggling opponent. Raven and Cortijo will play critical roles defensively as Kansas perimeter players can be bullied into making questionable passes. at Instant Money To Donate plasma. It pays to save a life. 816 W 24th Lawrence, KS 66046 (785) 749-5750 www.zlbplasma.com ZLB Plasma $40 TODAY $80 THIS WEEK FOR NEW DONORS Past and discussion items may vary. Never discuss pricing before purchase. Price of package and sale of product must be verified by your agent. Wednesday, February 27 7:00pm Kansas Union Ballroom FREE Lecture KU STUDENT HEALTH The University of Kansas CONTRIBUTING TO STUDENT SUCCESS HAPE ACCREDITA BARBORO STUDENT SENATE one community, many voices SUA www.suaevents.com