KANSAN.COM / THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN / TUESDAY, MARCH 1, 2011 / SPORTS
7A
WOMEN'S BASKETBALL
Jayhawks head to Iowa State, look for a big win
BY KATHLEEN GIER
kqier@kansan.com
In less than one month, the Jayhawks climbed from last in the Big 12 to tied for seventh. This is due, in large part, to Kansas' current three-game winning streak and a 5-2 record in its last seven games. Tonight, Kansas will take its 19-9 record to No. 24 Iowa State in"search of a final road win in conference play.
Coach Bonnie Henrickson is quick to credit sophomore guard Angel Goodrich with the success of the team.
Goodrich recorded double figure assists in three of the last six games, including a career high 15 against Iowa State earlier this season. Goodrich has 127 on the year, leading the conference in assists and placing her tenth in the nation with six assists per game.
"She has elevated her game and she has elevated the game of those around her," Henrickson said. "She is more confident in a half court offense. She is hitting pull up jump shots, giant killers over big defense. We have been able to play off her confidence."
Sophomore forward Carolyn Davis said that Goodrich's confidence at the point guard position allows for better success in transition.
"She is not hesitant to push the ball every time, she is not hesitant to pull up and call an offense, she just wants to run," Davis said.
Davis has also been a proven
Despite strong performances, Davis said that she needs to improve on the road. Last week at a poor showing at Oklahoma State, she scored only nine points in 16 minutes before fouling out.
"I am really disappointed about some of the passes I made," Goodrich said.
Goodrich said she needs to work on passing after committing four turnovers against Oklahoma State.
"It is frustrating because I have not been performing like this on the road." Davis said.
Kansas defeated Iowa State in a surprising 86-85 overtime upset on Feb. 9. The Cylcones were ranked No. 20 before falling to the Jayhawks. This victory kicked off the Jayhawks' recent 5-2 run.
leader for the team. She has been Kansas' top scorer for 17 games this season, including a career-high performance Saturday against Nebraska where she contributed 36 points on 16-19 shots.
Now, three weeks later, the Jayhawks meet the Cyclones as a different team. They are looking at the possibility of going to the NCAA Tournament with two more wins. One more win would help Kansas achieve its first 20-win season under Henrickson's direction. If the Jayhawks win their next two games, their conference record will read 8-8 which would mark the first .500 record for a Kansas team under Henrickson.
Edited by Tali David
Megan Singer/KANSAN
MEN'S BASKETBALL
Wildcats knock off struggling Texas
Senior guard Marisha Brown and freshman guard Diara Moore celebrate after teammate Carolyn Davis hit the winning shot against Iowa State on Feb. 9. The Javhawks hope to repeat that upset of the Cyclones tonight in Ames, Iowa to continue their resurgence in league play.
Texas, which looked invicible during its first 11 Big 12 season games, is going the wrong way at the wrong time
March Madness came a few hours early as Texas lost at least a share of its lead of the conference with a 75-70 loss to Kansas State Monday night. Texas has done everything possible to hand Kansas its seventh consecutive Big 12 conference title on a silver platter, losing three of their last four games.
The Wildcats have defeated the Longhorns three consecutive times in Austin.
Texas was in sole possession of first place after its 74-63 victory against Kansas on Jan. 22. All signs pointed to Texas dethroning Kansas, especially after the Jayhawks 84-66 loss to the Wildcats on Valentine's Day.
All Kansas needs to do to clinch at least a share of the conference title is win one of its next two games.
—Mike Lavieri