Kersgieter paces Jayhawks, Jackson sparks final run to finish Cowgirls in Big 12 Opener

The duo took turns leading Kansas as they defeated Oklahoma State for the third straight time.

In the first test of what is shaping up to be many this season, the Kansas Jayhawks were able to go on the road, absorb an off day from one of their stars, and still pull away in the fourth quarter to get another double-digit victory by the score of 80-65. The 15-point margin was the biggest in a conference opening win since at least 2002.

The first quarter was hotly contested, as the Jayhawks were able to build a 4-point lead twice, but the second required 5 straight points from Holly Kersgieter in the final minute of the period to build that margin. While Kersgieter was the leading scorer for the quarter, Chandler Prater hit two three-point shots, Ioanna Chatzileonti hit two shots, and Wyvette Mayberry scored on an and-1 opportunity.

The second quarter looked like it was going to be where the Jayhawks pulled away, scoring 7 straight points as Taiyanna Jackson started to make her presence known. The run was fueled by defense, as both teams missed a large number of shots early in the period. Oklahoma State was able to close within 4 at halftime.

Jackson ran into foul trouble in the third quarter, but Kersgieter scored 9 of her 23 total points, including the first 2 points to build the lead to 6 and a three-pointer late in the period to get the lead back up to 6.

Heading into the fourth, it still didn't seem like Kansas had figured out the Cowgirls. That is until Jackson took over on the boards, and Mayberry chipped in from the field. Jackson had 8 points and 10 rebounds (including 6 offensive boards) in the final quarter, and Mayberry had 9 points and 3 rebounds. 

For the game, Kersgieter led all scorers with 23 points, Jackson got her eighth double-double of the year with 17 points and 18 rebounds, and Mayberry and Chatzileonti both scored in double digits with 12 and 11, respectively. Zakiyah Franklin had a uncharacteristic off-night, as she only scored 2 points on 1-11 shooting.

The Jayhawks are back in action with the first game of a two-game homestand on Wednesday as they take on the Texas Tech Lady Raiders. Tip-off is scheduled for 7pm and the game will be broadcast on Big 12 Now on ESPN+.

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