December 11, 2005

KU Defeats Badgers in Double OT Thriller, Improve to 7-0

Dec. 11, 2005

LAWRENCE, Kan. –

It took double overtime, but the University of Kansas women’s basketball team overcame a 14-point halftime deficit, to defeat the University of Wisconsin, 90-87, Sunday afternoon at Allen Fieldhouse. The victory extends the Jayhawks winning streak to seven games to start the season.

Senior forward Crystal Kemp set a new career-high with 28 points, and senior guard Erica Hallman, who just missed becoming the first Jayhawk to record a triple-double since Lynette Woodard, led the Jayhawks in the spirited comeback. Hallman recorded 24 points, 10 assists, and nine rebounds.

In addition to her game-high 28 points, Kemp grabbed 11 rebounds. Senior guard Kaylee Brown added 17 points and freshman guard Ivana Catic contributed 12 points and nine assists.

In the second half, the Jayhawks outscored the Badgers 40-26. Hallman went 5-8 from 3-point land in the second half and the two extra frames. She tied the game, 70-70, nailing a 3-pointer with 25 seconds left in regulation, sending the game into overtime.

Overtime saw the two teams battle back and forth before Brown nailed two free-throws to put the KU ahead 81-78 with under ten seconds remaining. However, Badger guard Jolene Anderson banked home an off balance 3-pointer as time expired to send the Jayhawks to their first double overtime game since March 18, 2000 against Vanderbilt.

In the second overtime, KU rallied behind clutch free throw shooting to seal the victory. While Brown and Hallman each added buckets during the frame, Kemp and Hallman sunk crucial free throws to secure the victory.

The Jayhawks trailed the Badgers 44-30 at halftime. Brown led the Jayhawks with nine points while Kemp added eight points and Hallman dished out four of her 10 assists.

The Jayhawks look to keep their winning streak going when they take on Florida International Dec. 18 at Allen Fieldhouse. Tip-off is set for 1 p.m.