After playing its first three games on the road, Kansas University’s women’s basketball team is happy to be playing host to the Holiday Inn Jayhawk Classic in the comfortable confines of Allen Fieldhouse.
“It’s going to mean a lot, just the fact that we can play at home with a few games under our belt,” sophomore forward Crystal Kemp said. “We practice on this court everyday so there’s a familiarity. It’s always nice to get your fans behind you.”
Kansas coach Marian Washington also was breathing a little easier at practice this week.
“When you’re away from home it’s not easy,” Washington said.”I’m so happy to be back here. I personally am looking forward to it.”
Although the Jayhawks have lost two of three games, the club is coming of its first win of the year, 70-64, over Sacramento State in the Oregon Classic Nov. 28. The team will take the win, but Kemp said that she and her teammates were more excited about the previous loss. Kansas was clipped by No. 24 Oregon by three points (54-51) on the Ducks’ home court.
“We went in there and gave them a game,” Kemp said.
Now the Jayhawks will look to topple the Titans of Cal State Fullerton at 12:30 p.m. today. The Titans (0-3) come into the game looking for their first win after being beaten three times by sound margins.
Two sophomores lead the Titans in scoring — Amber Pruitt with 13.7 points and 8.7 rebounds a game and Tessa Moon with 10.3 points and four rebounds.
For Titan coach Maryalyce Jeremiah, this weekend marks one more stop in a line of tough nonconference games before beginning play in the Big West.
“It’s gonna be an interesting game. Coming in here, it’s just gonna be a good challenge,” said Jeremiah, who has known Washington for most of her 27 years of coaching. “I have great respect for Kansas. I’ve known Marian forever.”
As for the Jayhawks, Washington isn’t so much concerned about stopping the Titans. She’s looking to empower the Jayhawks.
“It’s all going to be about us,” she said.
While the coach was pleased at her team’s play at the Oregon Classic, she still is looking for improvement in several areas, namely better shooting, a more aggressive attitude with rebounding and a team bond.
“That chemistry is something we’re working on,” Washington said.
Today’s winner will play the winner of Alabama State and Texas-El Paso around 2:30 p.m. Sunday at Allen Fieldhouse for the tournament championship. The consolation game will be held at noon Sunday. The last time Kansas won the tournament was in 1999.