Jayhawks fall at Oklahoma, 78-67

NORMAN, Okla. – Kansas women’s basketball was within a possession of Oklahoma early in the fourth quarter, but a cold-shooting spell cut the Jayhawks’ comeback short as the Sooners evened the 2019 series with a 78-67 victory on Wednesday night inside the Lloyd Noble Center.
 
The Jayhawks (12-11, 2-10)  kept the second meeting with the Sooners within striking distance of completing the come-from-behind victory, but every time that Kansas made a run to take a lead in the second half, the Sooners had answer to maintain their advantage.  
 
Senior Austin Richardson led Kansas with 17 points, her fifth-straight game in double figures, while freshman Aniya Thomas chipped in 11 points for her second-straight double-digit scoring performance.
 
The Sooners were led by sophomore Ana Llanusa, a game-high 21 points, while junior Madi Williams posted a double-double with 18 points and 11 rebounds. Freshmen Jessi Murcer and Taylor Robertson added 12 and 10 points, respectively.
 
After making it to the line 34 times in its previous meeting with the Sooners, Kansas made it to the charity stripe just six times. OU had 20 free throw attempts in the game, making seven of its last eight to close out the win.
 
NOTABLES

  • Three Jayhawks finished the game with two steals, including sixth year Jessica Washington and seniors Austin Richardson and Kylee Kopatich.
  • Kansas’ 16 assists are the second-most dimes by the Jayhawks this season. KU had 17 assists in their Big 12 opener against Iowa State (1/5).
  • Senior Chelsea Lott registered her first start of the 2018-19 season against the Sooners.
  • With three 3-pointers on the night, Richardson surpassed 50 career triples, now with 52.
  • Richardson’s 17 points mark her fifth-straight double-figure scoring performance and ninth overall in Big 12 play.
  • Kopatich has made at least one 3-pointer in 18 games this season, making one triple against the Sooners.
  • With six assists, sixth year Jessica Washington matched her career-high mark in assists against Oklahoma.
  • After making her third start of her freshman campaign, Aniya Thomas has posted back-to-back double-digit scoring performances with 11 points against the Sooners.

UP NEXT
The Jayhawks return home to take on Texas Tech for the Jayhawk for a Cure game on Sunday, Feb. 17 at 2 p.m., inside Allen Fieldhouse. Fans who wear pink to the game will receive $5 admission. The game will be broadcast on the Jayhawk Television Network/ESPN+ and the Jayhawk Radio Network.

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