Clutch Threes Not Enough to Clinch Victory for the Jayhawks

Jan. 31, 2012

LAWRENCE, Kan. – Junior Angel Goodrich had arguably one of the highlights of the year at the end of the first half Tuesday night, and junior Monica Engelman’s game-tying three-pointer was KU’s saving grace to taking the Oklahoma Sooners into overtime.

Goodrich, a Talequah, Okla., native, sunk a half-court buzzer-beater to give the Jayhawks a two-point lead heading into lockerroom after the first half. That shot was a surprise for many, including Goodrich herself.

“It’s been awhile, actually, since I took a shot like that,” Goodrich said. “I didn’t think it was going to go in because, first of all, (my defender) was right there. I was a little shocked it went in. But it felt really nice to go in with some momentum.”

Kansas head coach Bonnie Henrickson echoed the importance of the shot in giving KU momentum for the second half.

“It was huge,” Henrickson said. “Who knew we needed all of that to get into overtime?”

It took one more huge shot to get Kansas into overtime; a key three-pointer from guard Engelman. The junior from San Antonio, Texas, hit a three from the left side of the key, tying the game and clinching an extra period.

Just as with Goodrich’s basket, Henrickson understood how important that shot was for the game, breaking down the play that helped open up the shot.

“It was big; there was a big screen by Carolyn(Davis), a great in-time rhythm pass by Angel and a great step-into-your-pass off of a flare screen by Monica.”

Although it could not secure ultimate victory, it was a learning experience for the Jayhawks. After back-to-back losses, Engelman was quick to discuss what the team (16-5 overall, 5-4 in Big 12 play) must do to rally from here.

“I think you have to learn from it, swallow it and move on,” Engelman said. “I’m excited for the things that happened, but of course, we wanted to come out on top. (We’ve got to) Learn from our mistakes. In a one-possession game, you can’t give up backdoors (cuts) or break down defensively in certain areas.”

Kansas will look to bounce back from their fifth loss of the season as the Jayhawks travel to College Station, Texas to play Texas A&M Saturday. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m.