By Joey Bongard
Kansas came out aggressively in a 107-39 win against Haskell University, attacking downhill and playing through contact to establish control. Early hard fouls and a clear-path call slowed Haskell’s transition defense, allowing Kansas to dictate the tempo. Inside, Lilly Meister and Elle Evans worked in tandem, finishing around the rim and controlling space defensively.
The Jayhawks paired that interior presence with active hands on defense, forcing rushed decisions and limiting Haskell’s ability to settle into an offensive rhythm. Kansas closed the quarter firmly in command.
Kansas’ defensive pressure intensified in the second quarter. Deflections turned into steals, shots were challenged at the rim and passing lanes disappeared. As stops piled up, the Jayhawks pushed the pace and found rhythm offensively.
After searching for her footing early, Keeley Parks connected from deep, but the stretch that defined the quarter belonged to Brittany Harshaw. Harshaw scored in rapid succession, turning a comfortable lead into a commanding one as Kansas surged into halftime with full control, credited to her personal 11-0 run.
Coming out of the break, Kansas stayed disciplined. S’Mya Nichols repeatedly attacked the paint, finishing through contact and keeping the defense on its heels. Haskell attempted to slow the game by crowding the lane and contesting perimeter looks, but Kansas continued to win possession battles and play on its own terms.
The Jayhawks’ ability to rebound, defend without fouling and value the ball allowed them to steadily stretch the margin without forcing shots.
Extended bench minutes defined the final quarter, yet Kansas’ identity never wavered. Defensive communication remained sharp, rotations were on time and the Jayhawks continued to generate stops even as the offense slowed late.
Kansas closed out the game by staying connected defensively and controlling the glass, finishing a wire-to-wire performance that reflected consistent effort rather than any single moment.
The 785 Matchup showcased Kansas’ physicality, defensive discipline and depth. From the opening possessions through the final horn, the Jayhawks dictated pace and pressure, delivering a complete performance built on effort, composure and control.
This article was edited by sports writing editor Eric Lucio. Contact him at ericlucio12@ku.edu for feedback or errors.