KU Makes History in Victory Over La Salle

Dec. 30, 2005

Final Stats | Quotes | Notes | Photo Gallery

LAWRENCE, Kan. –

The University of Kansas women’s basketball team defeated La Salle, 75-73, Friday night at Allen Fieldhouse to remain undefeated at 11-0. A crowd of 4,025 – the second most ever to watch a non-conference game in Allen Fieldhouse – witnessed the Jayhawks secure its school record 11th straight victory to open the season.

Trailing by seven points with under four minutes remaining in the game, Kansas seniors Erica Hallman and Crystal Kemp carried the Jayhawks to victory, scoring 11 of KU’s final 13 points. Hallman gave the Jayhawks the lead for good when she knocked down a 3-pointer with 1:01 remaining. After LaSalle missed a jumper, Kemp was fouled and drilled two free-throws with 1.2 seconds remaining to seal the victory.

Kemp finished the game with 25 points and nine rebounds while shooting a perfect 9-of-9 from the free throw line. Hallman scored two points and played only seven minutes in the first half after picking up two quick fouls. The Covington, Ky., native responded in the second half to finish with nine points, including the go-ahead trey.

Freshman guard Ivana Catic tied a career high with 16 points including 6-of-6 from the charity stripe while also dishing out five assists and pulling down four rebounds. Catic and Kemp played all 40 minutes of the game.

After trailing by as many as 10 points, La Salle battled back to take the lead with 3:05 remaining in the half. KU eventually went into the locker room leading 38-37.

The Explorers shot 6-of-8 from behind the 3-point arc and 47 percent from the field during the game. Four La Salle players scored in double figures, led by Crista Ricketts’ 19 points. After scoring 13 points in the first half, KU held Ricketts to just six in the second stanza.

KU will open Big 12 play against the Texas Longhorns on Tuesday, Jan. 3, at Allen Fieldhouse. The game will tip off at 6 p.m. and can be seen live on CSTV.