The Washington Huskies Women’s Basketball program (19-14 overall, 2-7 road) visit the Kansas Jayhawks (23-11 overall, 17-3 home), on Friday, March 24 at 7pm.
Kansas is very difficult to beat at home (with only 3 losses) and the Huskies have struggled in the road (with only two wins), so this will be a significant challenge for the Dawgs.
Key Matchups: Kansas vs Huskies
On paper, Kansas looks like they belonged in the NCAA Tournament, not the NIT.
The Jayhawks boast two first-team all-Big 12 picks, a deep and talented team that, per the NET rankings, were among the best 68 teams in the country this season.
For the season, Kansas averages a high octane 73.1 points on offense, while holding opponents to an average of 63.3 points per game — an exceptional 10-point margin that tells you how dangerous this team is on both ends of the floor.
During their 4-win WNIT run, Kansas posted an average margin of victory of 16.3 points per victory.
(By comparison, Washington’s defense holds opponents to an average of 58.8 points per game (while averaging 61.6 points on offense — a 3-point margin.
During UW’s 4-win WNIT run, Washington posted an average margin of victory of 9.3 points per victory. )
Kansas ranks in the Top 33% nationally in halfcourt offense efficiency — shooting 43.9% overall49.1% from two-point range and 31.6% from three-point range.
Notably, Kansas plays at a faster pace than the Huskies.
Kansas averages 71.9 offensive possessions per 40 minutes versus Washington’s 66.7 possessions per 40 minutes.
The Kansas Jayhawks defense forces 14.3 turnovers per game, which contributes to their high number of offensive possessions..
As a team, Washington averages 16.2 turnovers per game, so the Huskies normal number of turnovers could lead to transition opportunities for the Jayhawks.
The Kansas Jayhawks transition offense ranks in the Top 5% nationwide, scoring 1.057 points per transition possession.
On the other hand, Washington’s transition offense averages 0.938 points per transition possession, which only ranks in the top 40% nationally.
All five projected starters of the Kansas Jayhawks are effective scorers in transition: Guards Zakiyah Franklin, Holly Kersgieter, Wyvette Mayberry, Chandler Prater; and even 6’6″ Center Taiyanna Jackson.
Therefore, the Huskies want to limit their turnovers on offense and do no want to get in a track meet with the Jayhawks on their home court.
Likewise, in their halfcourt offense, Kansas ranks in the Top 7% nationally in pick-and-roll offense when the ballhandler keeps the ball and takes the shot.
Unfortunately, Washington ranks in the Bottom 27% nationally in defending the pick and roll ballhandler.
The Huskies defense should expect to see a steady diet of pick-and-roll offense, and more specifically expect the Kansas pick-and-roll ballhandler to take the shot if Huskies defenders are not in good position to defend.
As the pick-and-roll ballhandler for the Jayhawks, the top scoring threats for Kansas are guards Holly Kersgieter #13 (0.940 points per possession); Zakiyah Franklin #15 (0.889 points per possession) and Wyvette Mayberry #0 (0.878 points per possession). (See below.)
If the UW defense can run an efficient halfcourt offense at their own (preferably slower pace) and limit their turnovers, the Huskies have a greater chance at securing a victory.
Otherwise, it will likely be a fast paced game that favors the Kansas Jayhawks.
Projected Starting Lineup: Guard Zakiyah Franklin, Guard Holly Kersgieter, Guard Wyvette Mayberry, Guard Chandler Prater and CenterTaiyanna Jackson
Kansas Players Overview
Zakiyah Franklin #15 is a 5’8″ senior guard averaging a team-leading 15.6 points per game, along with 3.4 rebounds and 3.2 assists and 1.0 steals in 36 minutes.
ZAKIYAH. FRANKLIN. ???? pic.twitter.com/CmyIA5Awal
— Kansas Women's Basketball (@KUWBball) March 26, 2023
Franklin is a dangerous three-level scorer that is equally adept at using a dribble-drive or using handoffs, cuts and screens to score in halfcourt offense or scoring in transition.
What can't Zakiyah Franklin do? pic.twitter.com/hDVQvPdyzH
— Kansas Women's Basketball (@KUWBball) March 24, 2023
Taiyanna Jackson #1 is a 6’6″ senior center that averages 15.2 points per game, along with 12.5 rebounds, 3.0 blocks plus 1.2 assists and 1.4 steals in 31.7 minutes.
NOT IN TWIN'S HOUSE!!!@tai_jackson11 pic.twitter.com/Ko6Amnd6TL
— Kansas Women's Basketball (@KUWBball) March 24, 2023
Jackson is a most adept at scoring at the basket (within 4.5 feet) or further out in the lane; as the rollman in the pick-and-roll; as well as, running in transition to get easy baskets.
SEE YUHHHHH ‼️@tai_jackson11 pic.twitter.com/h3txEHqlps
— Kansas Women's Basketball (@KUWBball) March 23, 2023
Holly Kersgieter #13 is a 5’11” senior guard that averages 14.1 points per game, along with 6.1 rebounds. 2.0 steals and 1.8 assists in 33.9 minutes.
HOLLY K3RSGI3T3R ????@hkersgieter pic.twitter.com/TVkYs46BO7
— Kansas Women's Basketball (@KUWBball) March 26, 2023
Kersgiester is most adept scoring in transition; shooting from three-point range from the left-side of the court and as the ballhandler in the pick-and-roll.
Junior guard Wyvette Mayberry #0 is a 5’7″ junior guard that averages 11.4 points per game, along with 3.1 assists, 2.9 rebounds and and 1.1 steals in 32.1 minutes.
the steal ✅
the finish ✅@wywyy12 pic.twitter.com/p6GUhryQS5— Kansas Women's Basketball (@KUWBball) March 26, 2023
Mayberry scores best in transition, on isolation plays and as the pick and roll ballhandler.
She cannot be stopped ????@wywyy12 pic.twitter.com/kpnKoSxBqH
— Kansas Women's Basketball (@KUWBball) March 21, 2023
Chandler Prater #25 is a 5’11” junior guard that averages 9.7 points per game, along with 5.4 rebounds and 2.6 assists and 1.6 steals in 28.2 minutes.
.@Channy_Chan25 does it all!! pic.twitter.com/UHiVBDcOAJ
— Kansas Women's Basketball (@KUWBball) March 21, 2023
Prater is most adept scoring in transition; moving without the ball (cuts & screens) and as the “rollman” in the pick-and-roll.
