Kansas vs Binghamton

[swok34]

KU against a New York school, Binghamton. The Jayhawks’ season opener is at noon today at Allen Fieldhouse.

http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/sports/13213591.htm

[BeBe]

KU seems to be having an easy go of it, given what I see on gametracker. Not surprising. Binghamton doesn't have enough game to offer much resistance. Good thing my husband doesn't care about sports at his alma mater (that would be Binghamton)

[wwi_flying_ace_17]

The gametracker has said 77-53 with 3 seconds left in the game for the last two minutes, so I am assuming that is the final with KU winning.

I'm looking at the box score in the gametracker, so I am not sure if these are official yet. 23 assists to 13 turnovers, though they did have 12 steals to go with it.

KU only shot 55% on free throws, though Kemp did go 6-6. I like it when posts can be at least decent free throw shooters.

Catic had 13 points, 5 steals, and 7 assists to 1 TO. Not strong competition apparently, but pretty good for a freshman running the point.

KU was 6-10 on threes, with Kaylee Brown going 3-3. But where was Hallman? I don't see her listed. If I remember right, Hallman shot 38 or 39% last year from three, so if she could get some help, that could be a big boost to the offense.

EDIT: Here is the official box score. Almost 3200 showed up for the game. I'd have to look back at old box scores (but I am way too lazy to do that), but I am thinking it would have to have been awhile since this many people showed up at a game this early in the season.

http://kuathletics.collegesports.com/sports/w-baskbl/stats/2005-2006/game01.html

[H2H]

But where was Hallman?

http://kuathletics.collegesports.com/sports/w-baskbl/stats/2005-2006/game01.html

I the post game quotes Bonnie talks about Erica.


Got back from the game and even without Hallman they looked really good. They didn't play the best team in America but they team will win some games. Their coach talked about guard speed and man was he correct. These ladies get out and RUN....they would miss and they outlet Catic or Mosley, then it's horse race.

The only thing I saw without Hallman was the 2nd rotation lost it's scoring punch that I saw in the first 2 exhib. games. Bonnie sat the starters for most of the 2nd and that's why it stayed at that 25-30 lead instead of going to the 40-45 blowout.

You are correct about the attendence, we didn't have that many people but a couple games last year. So I hope it continue's to grow as the W's (we hope) go in that column.

GO KU!!!!

[swok34]

Sure, the Jayhawks would prefer not to test themselves without Hallman. But they have to. She has been indefinitely suspended by coach Bonnie Henrickson to get her academics in order.

“It’s just a statement,” Henrickson said. “The most important thing for these young women here is to graduate. There’s a commitment to get your degree and decisions you have to make to do that. And she hasn’t been meeting her end of that. She has some responsibilities to fulfill. She’s the one who put herself off the team. And she’s the one — with good decisions — who will get herself back on.

“(The suspension) will be day-to-day. She’s got a number of things due at noon (today). And she has no wiggle room. She’s better than that. She’s capable.”

http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/sports/13220818.htm

[FeFiFoFum]

KU definitely ran extremely well and pushed it up the floor with Shaq and Catic. Crystal Kemp was monster on the boards and Kaylee Brown was shooting very well. There was only a momentary lapse about halfway through the second half where the offense seemed to sputter and plays weren't being run or executed well. Granted, Binghampton wasn't the most matched of oppponents, but I thought KU was disciplined in the first half to match up with our conference opponents...whether we can sustain that and play a full game is another story. With the running and fast breaks and full court, I'm assuming KU has progressed well in the conditioning department which was something lacking in previous years. I don't think Jamie Boyd is up to the task of backing up Crystal, however, so I worry a bit about their post play. Marija Zinic showed some promise with some nice footwork in the post, but she doesn't come in from Serbia/Montenegro as polished as Catic.

ETA: I also wanted to note Sophronia Sallard's play..she went all out for a loose ball at one point and laid herself out for it, great hustle. She also showed some sweet jump shots. Keep an eye on her

I wondered why Erica was in street clothes..too bad on that.

And indeed, if you didn't count the free tix to a group of bball camp girls, the stands were nicely filled...certainly better than the last couple of years when you could hear crickets during play.

All in all, I was impressed with the team..they seemed to execute Bonnie's system well (with some lapses as noted) and their defense was very good. Once they get used to playing together and getting the team chemistry down (and the nerves), KU should play tough this year. I'm looking forward to catching as many games as I can..