KU claims wire-to-wire Sunflower Showdown
LAWRENCE (KSNT) - Kansas women's basketball wanted revenge over No. 10 K-State on Sunday, as the Wildcats won the first Sunflower Showdown of the season in January.
In a game that was as-advertised, the Jayhawks pulled away late in a back-and-forth affair, with Kansas finishing on top 58-55.
Kansas started red hot, up to a 17-6 lead eight minutes into the contest. K-State ended the first quarter on a 9-2 run to trail just 19-15 entering the next frame.
From there, it was a back-and-forth game. An Eliza Maupin layup gave the Wildcats their first lead of the game at 23-22. A Danai Papadopoulou layup in the final minute got the Jayhawks back within 30-28 at the half.
The third quarter was much of the same. K-State led by as many as seven, before S'Mya Nichols started to take over for Kansas, as the Wildcats led 43-42 entering the fourth quarter.
Quarter four was full of haymakers. A Holly Kersgieter jumper gave KU its first lead of the second half at 53-51 with 2:43 to play. Free throws down the stretch kept the lead, as Kansas finished on top 58-55.
A battle between two star centers did not disappoint. K-State's Ayoka Lee finished with 14 points and 11 rebounds while KU's Taiyanna Jackson tallied 11 points, seven rebounds and eight blocks.
The star in the game was Kansas freshman S'Mya Nichols, who put up 22 points in the contest.
The win moves Kansas' record to 16-11, 9-7 in Big 12 play. The loss moves K-State's record to 23-5, 12-4 in Big 12 play.
The home team has now won nine-straight Sunflower Showdown women's basketball matchups.