The CU women’s basketball team grabbed 23 offensive rebounds, and senior Jasmina Ilic had 27 points in a winning effort over Texas Tech on Saturday night. The Buffs won 70-67 in a game that was close to the end.
“This team continues to make strides and I thought tonight was another one,” said Head Coach Kathy McConnell-Miller.
Ilic made five 3-pointers and was nine of 16 from the field. The team dominated the boards, grabbing 43 total rebounds to Texas Tech’s 34 rebounds.
McConnell-Miller said the team has been focusing on rebounding in the last few practices.
“I thought when you focus on it and it becomes a priority and they know it, I thought that was one of the differences in the game,” McConnell-Miller said.
Junior Jackie McFarland scored only 10 points, which was below her season average of 18.8 points per game, but she managed to play a well-rounded game with five assists and nine rebounds.
During one point in the second half, sophomore Hannah Skildum was fouled hard by a Texas Tech player, and the Buffs received two free-throws and the ball back.
“All I have to say is that it is part of the game of basketball, and I was just happy to go to the free-throw line and make a difference for my team,” Skildum said.
CU and Texas Tech exchanged scoring runs all night. With 11:51 left to play in the game, Texas Tech went on a 6-0 run, but the Buffs answered with their own 6-0 run to even the score at 49.
A major problem the Buffs faced all night was the hot shooting of Texas Tech. In the first half, Texas Tech shot 56 percent from the field. But the Buffs’ rebounding was a key factor in preventing Texas Tech from getting too far ahead.
Ilic said after the game that the team is feeling very confident at home. After the win over Texas Tech, the Buffs improved their home record to 10-3. One of the advantages of playing at home for the Buffs where they have a good record is that they are able to close out close games.
“I think the overall picture is that we actually got over the hump as coach said and closed out the game in the last two minutes,” Ilic said
Skildum had a solid night for CU. Off the bench, she had eight points and five rebounds. Her intensity and effort played a key role for the Buffs because she was able to make some important plays down the stretch.
CU will need to carry the momentum from Saturday night’s win over Texas Tech on the road when they face Kansas on Feb. 6th. If the team plays with the same amount of intensity that they did on Saturday night, they should be able to squeeze out a win against Kansas.
The Buffs improved their overall record to 10-11 and 4-5 in the Big 12 Conference.
Contact Campus Press Staff Writer Kyle McDaniel at kyle.mcdaniel@thecampuspress.com.
