The last Texas losing streak spanned nine games. Another loss will put them more than half way there.
The Longhorns enter their Big 12 matchup with Kansas on Wednesday on a four-game losing streak. The last time the teams met Kansas dismantled the Longhorns by 38 points, their worst loss of the season.
Over the weekend Texas dropped a close game to Texas Tech by a score of 69-62. Junior Chassidy Fussell showcased her shooting capabilities that have been absent during the current losing streak, pouring in a game-high 27 points.
Imani McGee-Stafford, who has played well all season long, recorded her 10th double-double of the season against the Red Raiders with 11 points and 10 rebounds. Despite her dominance in the paint, Texas failed to close out a tough game down the stretch.
Texas outshot Tech from the field 51.1 percent to 36.7 percent, and even outrebounded the Raiders 39-28, something the Longhorns have done in most of their games this season. However, the Longhorns committed 24 turnovers, something they’ve also done all season long, allowing the Raiders to tally 26 points off of those turnovers.
Although Texas played its last game against Kansas without Fussell and Nneka Enemkpali, who were suspended for violating team rules, its zero players in double-figure scoring stole any chance for a victory.
Texas will need big performances inside from McGee-Stafford and Enemkpali, who will be expected to outrebound the Jayhawks and put pressure on their guards to make plays. When their post players play smart at both ends of the floor, the Longhorns are able to find ways to get their guards going, much like Fussell did behind McGee-Stafford’s effort last time against Tech.
Kansas’ Carolyn Davis, who leads the team with 15.7 points and 6.6 rebounds per game, set the tone with 18 points in the last matchup. The Texas backcourt will need to be on its toes or turnovers will send the team to another defeat.
When Longhorns rebound, they get shots. When they protect the ball, they usually win games.
Texas will need consistency and dominant post play if it wants to claim the sequel and prevent a fifth-straight loss.
Published on February 20, 2013 as "Jayhawks threaten to fuel Longhorns' losing streak".
