LUBBOCK, Texas – The Kansas Jayhawks faced another tough loss, falling 70-65 to No. 16 Texas Tech. This match left them still searching for a win against ranked teams this season.
In a nail-biting finish, S’Mya Nichols tied the game at 59-59 with just 1:34 left. However, Texas Tech quickly retaliated, scoring 11 unanswered points to clinch the win. Nichols stood out for Kansas, leading the team with 15 points. Jaliya Davis contributed 14 points, Elle Evans added 11, and Regan Williams chipped in 10.
Despite shooting 45.5% from the field with 20 successful shots out of 44 attempts, Kansas struggled with turnovers, giving up 20, which allowed Texas Tech 16 extra attempts. While KU’s defense held the Lady Raiders to 35% shooting (21-60), Texas Tech capitalized at the free-throw line, hitting 22 out of 27.
Kansas now sits at 15-11 overall and 5-9 in Big 12 play. They’ll be back at Allen Fieldhouse on Saturday, February 14, facing Houston at 4 p.m. CT on ESPN+.
The game had some promising moments for Kansas. Davis kicked things off scoring the team’s first eight points, giving them an early 8-3 lead. But Texas Tech responded well, taking control of the score as the game progressed.
In the second quarter, Tech surged ahead with three-pointers and maintained a narrow lead. Despite Kansas sparking a 6-0 run to bring the score to 32-31, they couldn’t seize the advantage.
As the game continued, Kansas showed resilience. They managed to tie it again before Texas Tech pulled ahead once more with free throws in the closing moments.
Notable Highlights:
- Jaliya Davis has now scored in double digits in every game this season.
- Lilly Meister recorded her fourth game with multiple blocks.
- S’Mya Nichols hit a career milestone, moving to 13th on Kansas’s all-time scoring list.
- Elle Evans showcased her shooting skills, making three three-pointers for the 12th time this season.
Kansas’s ability to bounce back from adversity will be key in their upcoming match. With a commitment to improve on their turnovers, they aim to turn things around in the following games.
For more insights on women’s college basketball and related statistics, you can check out reliable sources like NCAA’s official website.
