The Kansas women's basketball team delivered a huge lift to its NCAA Tournament hopes on Sunday by knocking off No. 10 Kansas State, 58-55, at Allen Fieldhouse.
In front of a crowd of 9,000 fans that seemed at least twice that big, KU got a monster game from freshman guard S'Mya Nichols, who took over in the second half to lead the Jayhawks to the Sunflower Showdown victory.
Nichols scored 22 points and was joined in double digits by Taiyanna Jackson (11 points, 7 rebounds and 8 blocks) and Holly Kersgieter (10 points, 7 rebounds). Jackson's big game came after she sat for a good chunk of the second quarter after picking up her second foul. After nearly losing touch midway through the second, KU made it to halftime trailing by just two, 30-28.
That set the stage for a big second half by Jackson, a dominant offensive showing by Nichols and a couple of clutch baskets and free throws by Kersgieter.
The win was KU's second over a Top-10 foe this season and it improved KU to 16-11 overall and, more importantly, 9-7 in Big 12 play.
The Jayhawks have two games remaining in the regular season — Wednesday at UCF and home next Saturday for Senior Day vs. Oklahoma.
Check back for more on the big win in the big time environment. For now, here's a look at some of Sunday's action.
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