Jayhawks’ exhibition opener tonight

By J-W Staff Reports     Nov 10, 2003

Kansas University’s women’s basketball team should have a good shot at showing off its improved scoring ability tonight in its first official exhibition game.

KU will entertain Sparta Praha at 7 p.m. at Allen Fieldhouse.

The Jayhawks already have provided a sneak preview of their offense by averaging more than 105 points a game in four exempt exhibition games in Monterey, Mexico, over Labor Day weekend.

While the four foes in Mexico might not resemble the kind of competition the Jayhawks will face in the Big 12 Conference, Sparta Praha hasn’t exactly slowed anybody during its exhibition tour.

Sunday, Kansas State pounded the Czech Republic-based squad, 103-47, with five Wildcats scoring in double figures.

It wasn’t just the Top 5-ranked Wildcats that have beaten up on Sparta Praha so far this season.

Colorado State opened its year with a 84-64 win last week, while Denver emerged victorious with a 91-78 victory over KU’s opening opponent.

The Jayhawks historically have fared well against foreign competition in exhibition games. Kansas is 17-5 all-time against non-U.S. teams and opened last season with a 61-56 victory over the Solna Vikings.

While the Jayhawks endured their third straight losing season with an 11-18 mark last year, all five starters return for KU coach Marian Washington, entering her 31st season.

With a core of returners and highly-touted newcomers in freshman Lauren Ervin and junior-college transfer Kandis Bonner, Washington said she was excited about this year’s possibilities.

“I think this team is going to be much improved,” Washington said. “We have added some really good experience. We added size, quickness and scoring — all things we needed.”

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