“I thought we had a good game plan,” Kansas coach Marian Washington said. “Defensively, we played solid but the obvious turnovers from veteran players were frustrating.”

The Jayhawks committed a season-high 31 turnovers, 18 in the first half. The Red Raiders committed 23 miscues, including 13 in the first half.

“It was definitely an ugly game for both teams,” Kansas senior Jennifer Jackson said.

Kansas hit 31.8 percent (15-for-46) of its shots and did not attempt a three-pointer. Tech hit just 37.5 percent (18-for-50), including 1-of-11 three-pointers in the second half.

Earl Richardson/Journal-World Photo

“Defensively, there were certain shots we felt we could give up,” Washington said.

Kansas led, 8-4, with 11:59 remaining in the first half.

Texas Tech senior Katrisa O’Neal had two steals in sparking an 11-0 Red Raider run.

Kansas junior KC Hilgenkamp snapped the streak with a quick jumper, cutting Texas Tech’s lead to 15-10.

Kansas senior Jaclyn Johnson, who grabbed an offensive board and had a putback with 5:30 left in the first half, led all scorers with 20 points 13 the second half.

“Many times (Texas Tech) would double- and triple-team Jackie,” Washington said. “But you can’t just have Jackie score.”

The Jayhawks fought back after lagging, 21-16, at halftime.

Kansas senior Brooke Reves forced a steal with 16:23 left, then passed to Jackson who brought Kansas within two at 24-22. Tech went on a 13-4 run to extend its lead to 37-26.

Led by Nikki White, who played 10 minutes the second half, the Jayhawk defense took over. White hit one of two free throws to pull Kansas within four, 39-35, with 7:48 left.

“I think it helped that I was more aggressive,” White said. “It’s toward the end of the season and I’m fighting and doing what I can. I just go in and fight for the little things.”

Down 45-41, Kansas forced two turnovers and drew an offensive foul. Then with 1:14 remaining, Johnson hit two free throws, cutting the gap to 45-43.

With 50 seconds left, Jackson stole the ball from O’Neil, but Johnson committed her fifth foul and Tech converted both free throws.

After another Kansas foul and two missed Tech free throws, White grabbed a rebound and set up Jackson who cut the deficit to 47-45.

Kansas could not pull any closer, though, sending Tech to the line where it scored the game’s final points.

“(Defensively) we did our job,” Johnson said. “We just weren’t taking care of the ball. When you don’t do that, you don’t win.”

Kansas dropped to 9-14 overall, 3-9 in the Big 12 while Tech improved to 19-4, 10-2.

The Jayhawks will play host to Iowa State on Saturday afternoon. Tip-off is 3:05 p.m.