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.
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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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— For tickets to all KU athletic events, visit kutickets.com