It was supposed to be a road trip — a chance for Kansas University coach Bonnie Henrickson to see what her team was made of in a two-day, two-game tournament in the Big Easy.
“We would have liked to travel and gone to New Orleans,” Henrickson said. “We did want to make a trip with the team.”
Because of Hurricane Katrina, KU instead will stay where it has been all year — in the comforts of Allen Fieldhouse.
KU will play host to Birmingham-Southern at 6 tonight, then take on New Orleans at 1 p.m. Saturday. The Jayhawks offered to host the tournament after New Orleans was hit by the hurricane.
Southern, like Kansas, has a tendency to find itself in close games. All three of the Panthers’ losses have come by fewer than five points.
“They’re a team that doesn’t quit,” Henrickson said, “and we’re the same.”
Not that Henrickson is looking for a tight game. The Jayhawks have had scares against Detroit and Northeastern before rallying to victories.
“We don’t want to get in that situation,” Henrickson said, “but both teams have confidence going down the stretch because they’ve played some close games.”
The coach said her biggest concern was defense. After a strong effort in the opener against Binghamton, allowing only 53 points, KU has struggled to contain the opposition.
“The most anxiety I have is for us defensively,” Henrickson said, “and being able to guard like I would have anticipated and like I think we’re capable of.”
KU received a boost in the last game from the return of guard Erica Hallman. The senior had been suspended for the first two games because of academic reasons but came back in a reserve role to score a team-high 18 points in a 70-65 victory over Detroit.
“Certainly with her experience and her ability, she’s a difference-maker for us,” Henrickson said. “Just with the calmness that she brings it’s great to have her back.”
Hallman will make her first start of the season tonight.
