It’s no mystery why Kansas University’s women’s basketball team is mired in a three-game losing streak – desultory defense and a dearth of depth.
Coach Bonnie Henrickson expects improvement in at least one of those weak spots when the Jayhawks entertain Oklahoma State today.
“We’re anticipating,” she said, “a renewed commitment on the defensive end.”
Tipoff will be 1:05 p.m. in Allen Fieldhouse.
In their first dozen games – all victories – the Jayhawks allowed opponents to score more than 70 points just twice, and one of those was an overtime game.
Yet in consecutive losses to Nebraska, Colorado and Texas A&M, the Jayhawks have surrendered 73, 74 and 78 points.
With a week off between games, Henrickson has stressed defense, defense, defense in practice.
“We went back to some basics,” she said, “like getting through screens.”
Meanwhile, Henrickson still is looking for bench help. Four starters are averaging more than 32 minutes a game, and six players have accounted for virtually all the Jayhawks’ points.
Touted junior-college transfer guard Shaquina Mosley and freshman forward Sophronia Sallard have been the biggest disappointments.
“They’re not where I thought they would be at this point,” Henrickson said. “It’s a matter of concentration, intensity and focus with them. We need them, but if they don’t (perform), the kids on the floor will just have to be better.”
On paper, Oklahoma State is the Big 12 Conference’s worst team. The Cowgirls are winless (0-5) in league play under first-year coach Kurt Budke, a Washburn University grad.
Budke isn’t OSU’s only Kansas connection. Christian Hood, a 6-foot-5 junior from Hutchinson, is the team’s only returning starter, and Whitney Pegram of Silver Lake is the Cowgirls’ leading scorer and rebounder.
Pegram, a 6-4 junior, is at her third school. She spent her freshman season at Drake, then transferred to Seward County CC in Liberal before moving on to Oklahoma State.
“She has great size and great mobility,” Henrickson said of Pegram. “She’ll be a tough match-up for us.”
In fact, the Cowgirls will have a huge size advantage if Budke starts Hood, Pegram and Shaunte Smith and Destanie Sykes, both 6-footers. KU had only one starter who stands over six feet – 6-2 senior Crystal Kemp.
Oklahoma State’s problem hasn’t been defense. The Cowgirls rank last in the league in scoring. Still, Henrickson considers them dangerous.
“They haven’t won a league game, but we’ve won only one,” the KU coach said, “and I’m sure they’re looking at us and see a chance for that first win.”
Kansas will face a tough road next week with trips to Kansas State on Wednesday and defending NCAA champion Baylor on Saturday.
