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THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2007
>> BIG 12 BASKETBALL
Defense key for Wildcats
ASSOCIATED PRESS
MANHATTAN — Much has changed since Kansas State and Missouri last met on Jan. 13 in Columbia, Mo.
Going into that game, both teams were winless in the Big 12 and seemingly headed for the sort of stumbling, bumbling, non-tournament seasons that usually accompany coaching changes.
The Wildcats, under coach Bob Huggins, won 85-81 and haven't lost since, compiling a five-game overall winning streak that has run their record to 13-6 overall and 4-2 in the
league and sparked talk among fans of a possible NCAA playoff berth.
Missouri, under first year head coach Mike Anderson, went on to lose its next two and fall to 0-4 in the Big 12, before winning two straight.
When the two old rivals from Big Eight days have their rematch Wednesday night in Bramlage Coliseum, they'll have a lot more to play for than anyone three weeks
ago would have guessed.
In their most recent game, the Tigers [13.6, 2-4 Big 12] defeated what everyone considered the hottest team in the conference,
a Bob Knight-coached Texas
Tech sound com-
3 freshman, had one game where he blocked a school-record eight shots. The team total of 91 blocks is just four short of what Kansas State had all last season. Bennett's 41 blocks have already shattered the team freshman record.
"I think we've done a great job of team defense," Huggins said. "And then offensively, we've had different guys step up."
"I think we've done a great job on team defense. And then offensively, we've had different guys step up."
Stretching the defense will be
"One of the things in conference play is you've got to go with more urgency," said Anderson. "We're starting to see more of that now. In the Kansas game, I thought we played with a sense of urgency that allows us to have a chance to win."
off wins over No. 6 Kansas and
No. 10 Texas A&M.
BOB HUGGINS Kansas State Coach
Defense is what Huggins' Wildcats do best. Jason Bennett, their 7-footing his mind after his mom told him she would prefer that he play for the Tigers.
Kansas State has reeled off wins over Baylor, Iowa State and Nebraska since its trip to Columbia, giving the Wildcats their first four-game conference win streak since the Big 12 was formed. Throw in a defeat of Illinois State and Kansas State takes a five-game winning spree into their 8 p.m. tip-off against the Tigers.
Missouri guard Stefhon Hannah, averaging almost 16 points and five assists per game. He's certain to get plenty of attention from the expected sellout crowd after committing to Kansas State this year but change
On Monday, he was chosen the Big 12 rookie of the week for the third time this season after averaging 14.5 points and 4.5 assists in back-to back victories.
"My biggest concern was the defensive side of the ball, but he's focusing more on defense and not necessarily just trying to steal the basketball," Anderson said.
"Also, he's having a better understanding of what I want him to do: to trust his teammates. He can score. But the greatest players in basketball are guys who distribute the ball, make the great pass. So he's learning to trust his teammates."
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Freshmen guards Kelly Kohn and LaChelda jacobs provided much of the jayhawks' offense during the first few games of the season.
The two guards have not done much since.
Kohn's last 20 point effort was on Jan. 13. Since that game, she has averaged a little over five points per game on 8 for 36 shooting.
Jacobs has not scored in doublefigures since Jan. 6 and has been inconsistent on the defensive end. Since that date, Jacobs has 15 turnovers and only 12 points.
"We've been very undisciplined."
Henrickson said. "We bit our
selves and wasted a lot of possessions."
Kansas' youth could be exploited by a Texas Tech team that starts three seniors. The Lady Raiders savvy upperclassmen are all major contributors on the defensive end, and could make for a long night for the turnover-prone Jayhawks.
Texas Tech's biggest problem on offense is shooting the basketball. Forward Alesha Robertson is the Lady Raiders' leading scorer, with 13.3 points per game, but has made only 37 percent of her field-goal attempts. As a team, Texas Tech is shooting just a shade more than 40
percent for the season.
The key to tonight's game could be the pace of play.
Edited by James Pinick
Kansas will need to slow the game down and force Texas Tech to try to create shots in their half-court offense. If the Lady Raiders manage to speed up the pace and create turnovers, the Jayhawks could find themselves in the loss column once again.
Kansan sportswriter Asher Fusco can be contacted at afusco@kansan.com.
WOMEN'S BASKETBALL PREVIEW
KANSAS VS. TEXAS TECH 7 TONIGHT ALLEN FIELDHOUSE
Offense:
The Lady Raiders have one thing on offense that the Jayhawks lack: consistency. Averaging 16 points in the last four games, senior guard Shaquina Mosley has emerged as Kansas' go to scorer. Another top contributor, however, has been erratic and difficult to predict from game to game. For example, freshman guard Kelly Kohn followed a 13-point performance at Kansas State with only two points at Nebraska. Against the Cornhuskers, junior forward Taylor Mcintosh exploded for a career-high 16 points. She is only averaging 5.4 points per game this year. Alesha Robertson, Chesley Dabbs and Patrice Edwards are all averaging double digits in conference play for Texas Tech. Fans looking for offense may not find it Wednesday at Allen Fieldhouse. Kansas is only shooting 37 percent from the field in Big 12 Conference play. Texas Tech's numbers aren't much better; it is shooting 39 percent. The Lady Raiders also average five more points per game than the Jayhawks.
Defense:
Advantage:
Kansas may be last in the Big 12 at 0-7, but it undoubtedly has one of the best perimeter defenses in the conference. In each of the last three games, the Jayhawks have faced a dominant guard and each time forced her to score below her season average. The only problem is Texas Tech doesn't have an outstanding guard and relies on strong post play. The Lady Raiders will pass it inside in an attempt to create easy points for Robertson and Edwards. Kansas freshman forward Porscha Weddington is averaging eight rebounds in the last three games, which is limiting opponents' second-chance points. She will have to do more than just rebound against the Lady Raiders, though, Texas Tech has one defensive standout. Erin Myrick has 42 blocks on the season, only eight fewer than the Jayhawks have as a team. Unless the Lady Raiders change their offensive philosophy to attempt more three-pointers, they have a decisive edge against the Jayhawks.
Momentum:
The Jayhawks are returning home after two straight conference road games. The young team should be excited to play in front of its own crowd. Texas Tech is coming off an overtime loss to sixth-ranked Oklahoma and a 49-43 victory against Texas. The Lady Raiders are only 2-6 on the road this season but have to feel relieved when looking at the next two teams they will face away from home. After Kansas on Wednesday, Texas Tech will travel to Boulder to take on Colorado. The Jayhawks and the Buffaloes are the cellar dwellers of oak Big 12 at a combined 2-12 record. The Lady Raiders will look at the road trip as an opportunity to reverse their poor play and improve their 4-3 conference record.
Advantage:
Advantage:
Case Keefer
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