Jayhawks' Season Comes To End After Falling to Illinois State, 71-51, in WNIT
March 25, 2010
LAWRENCE, Kan. –
A blistering night from beyond the arc for the Redbirds of Illinois State proved too much for the Jayhawks to handle, as Kansas fell 71-51 in the third round of the WNIT.
The Jayhawks finished their 2009-10 season with a 17-16 overall record, marking the third-straight winning season for the Crimson and Blue. Illinois State improved to 26-7 on the year and will face Illinois in the quarterfinals of the WNIT.
ISU hit 10 of 12 three-point field goals throughout the contest, which was the most treys made against the Jayhawks all season. ISU’s offensive success was the product of a balanced attack, as the Redbirds had five athletes score in double figures. Senior Ashleen Bracey led the team with 15 points, followed by sophomore Katie Broadway and senior Maggie Krick, who both chipped in 14.
Struggling to convert its shots both in the paint and on the perimeter, the Jayhawks found themselves chasing a 14-point deficit midway through the first half. KU managed to pull within 10 points with five minutes remaining in the period, but two three-pointers by ISU in the final minute gave the Redbirds a 33-18 advantage at the break.
ISU wasted no time in extending its lead, as it drained two more long-range baskets in the opening minutes of the second period. Kansas then hit four consecutive shots to pull within 11 points, but that would be the closest KU would come, as the Jayhawks committed two turnovers on its next two possessions, sparking a 12-4 run by ISU.
Freshman Monica Engelman led the Crimson and Blue with 14 points, while also tallying a team-leading four assists. Junior Krysten Boogaard added ten points and seven rebounds, while junior Nicollette Smith scored a season-high ten points.
Making her 131st appearance for KU, senior Sade Morris finished her career having played the second-most games in school history. Morris also joined the 1,000-point club during the 2009-10 season, as the Norman, Okla., native collected 1,276 points over her four-year career. Fellow senior Danielle McCray is also a member of the prestigious list, with 1,934 total points.
