Colorado ended a three game losing streak Tuesday night in Boulder by defeating Kansas 74-65. The Buffs’ win came on the heals of three ugly losses – two at home - where it appeared that CU was unable to compete for more than 10 minutes to 20 minutes. The losses to Oregon, Nebraska and Oklahoma were all different in form, but they were similar in that CU struggled to play consistently on both ends of the floor.
Despite the losses, one important change was made in the second half of the Oklahoma game when the Buffs used a spread offense and were able to play even with the Sooners. With the Buffs struggling to get scoring from star post player Jackie McFarland when facing top opposition coach Kathy McConnell-Miller changed offenses in order to open up the floor and prevent the opposition from denying her the ball or double teaming her when she received it.
Tuesday night against Kansas the Buffs employed that spread offense for much of the game and it paid dividends immediately. Not only was McFarland able to get her scoring grove back, but it opened up opportunities for the rest of the team as well. In addition to better offensive production, the Buffs cut down significantly in the number of turnovers, committing only 10 for the game and played solid team defense on the interior.
In the first half CU had an opportunity to open up a lead when KU’s leading scorer, Crystal Kemp picked up her second personal foul only ten minutes into the game. Kansas had no backup that was as physical as she was in the post and thus it appeared CU had a golden opportunity. Still, the Buffs only managed a five point lead at the half and with Kemp set to go for the second half it would seem as if CU would have their hands full.
Despite an early KU run that would cut down the Buffs’ lead to one point CU was able to use their defense and spread offense to open up a lead that would balloon to as much as 15 points, the last time with 4:15 left in the game. From that point on the Buffs would hold on to survive a barrage of KU treys as well as their own poor free throw shooting and a couple of poor decisions to finish out the game.
As has been the case much of this season, CU was led in scoring by sophomore post Jackie McFarland and junior wing Jasmina Ilic this time each with 18 points, McFarland also pulled down 15 rebounds. Additionally, senior guard added some extremely critical baskets, especially in the second half with some great cuts to the basket. The spread offense really seemed to suit her skills well.
Freshman post Caley Dow was also instrumental in the victory as she came off the bench and played solid defense, scored nine points and pulled down six rebounds.
With KU’s Kemp scoring only 11 points the Jayhawks got some tremendous perimeter scoring from senior guards Kaylee Brown and Erica Hallman who combined to hit 10 of 19 shots from beyond the arc.
CU injury update: Prior to the game it was announced that sophomore post Kara Richards would redshirt this season as she is still recovering from a broken toe. She was expected to be a key player this season and had the ability to lead the team in scoring.
Sophomore guard Lauren Lubin missed the game due to a concussion suffered in the previous game. This meant the Buffs entered the game with nine healthy players, one of whom is rarely used.
Colorado travels to Manhattan to face Kansas State Saturday.
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MarkW
HoopScoop.net
