Jayhawks Overcome Raiders, 74-63

BOCA RATON, Fla. – Behind freshman guard Zakiyah Franklin’s career-high 19 points, Kansas came back to defeat Wright State, 74-63, in the opening game of the FAU Thanksgiving Tournament in FAU Arena on Friday, Nov. 29.

Behind Franklin in the scoring column were sophomore guard Aniya Thomas (15) and freshman guard Holly Kersgieter (14). Controlling the glass were junior forward Tina Stephens (9) and junior center Bailey Helgren (8).

In the first quarter, senior forward Mariane De Carvalho got it started with a quick layup off the tip for the Jayhawks. Wright State would have the lead during the entire quarter, but Thomas paced KU with seven points and went into the second quarter down, 18-12.

It was a back and forth battle in the second quarter. Wright State pulled out to a 10-point lead late into the quarter, but Franklin drilled a 3-pointer to spark an 8-2 run in the last 1:34 to make it 32-28 going into halftime.

Wright State had a four-point lead 3:30 into the third quarter, but Franklin went on a quick 6-0 run to give Kansas its first lead since tip at 39-37 with 4:25 left in the quarter. Thomas missed a free throw, but Stephens grabbed the offensive rebound and lay it back in to tie the game at 48 entering the fourth quarter.

Kersgieter got the fourth quarter started for the Jayhawks with a quick shot from beyond the arc to start an 11-2 run making it 59-50 with 6:28 remaining. Franklin hit two free throws with 2:41 left as the Jayhawks cruised to win it, 74-63.

UP NEXT

Kansas will play FAU in the championship round Saturday, Nov. 30, at 12 p.m. CT.