Kansan file photo

Larisha Graves, senior guard, takes a shot during last year’s home game against Nebraska. The women’s basketball team will travel to Lincoln, Neb., Saturday night to battle the Cornhuskers.

The Kansas women’s basketball team has shaken its woes by producing two narrow conference victories, including the team’s first Big 12 road victory.

Since adding wins to its tally, the Jayhawks are much more comfortable with the prospect of traveling to Nebraska on Saturday.

Second-half pushes during the Missouri and Colorado games placed the Jayhawks, 9-8 (2-4 Big 12), in the win column and should help revive the team’s season.

“I think it’s obviously good for us being able to win down the stretch,” coach Bonnie Henrickson said.

In the 65-60 victory at Colorado, Kansas hit key shots late in the game both from the field and at the free-throw line.

Late-game heroics and seasoned players are the indispensable elements to the team’s comeback, Henrickson said.

“A lot of burden rests on returning players late in the game,” Henrickson said.

Junior forward Crystal Kemp and junior guard Erica Hallman have carried a lot of the burden.

Kemp, who posted a monstrous 15 rebounds and 15 points against Colorado, stepped outside and nailed two baseline jumpers late in the contest to land the victory. Hitting both free throws down the stretch, Kemp proved again that she could help carry Kansas in critical moments of the game.

On the perimeter, Hallman’s shooting ability has convinced Henrickson that she can also perform in key situations.

“I feel confident that Erica will knock them down,” Henrickson said.

But, it is not only the upperclassmen who have come through for the Jayhawks.

At Colorado, sophomore guard Sharita Smith posted what could be a breakout performance on both the offensive and defensive ends.

Smith scored eight points off the bench, a tremendous improvement over her season average of 2.1. She made both of her three-point shots and gave the Jayhawks another outside threat.

“There were a couple of shots that she wasn’t happy about,” Henrickson said. “But her energy level on defense was great.”

The Jayhawks have been consistent on defense throughout the first-half. However, offense troubles throughout the season have wasted some solid performances on the defensive end.

Such was not the case against the Buffaloes, but the Jayhawks will have their hands full against the Cornhuskers, 11-7 (3-3).

For the Huskers, sophomore Kiera Hardy will present the Jayhawks with a challenge on defense.

“She’s a bit of a match-up issue,” Henrickson said. “We can’t shut her down, but we will try to slow her down.”

The reeling Huskers, who have lost three straight, present another opportunity for the Jayhawks to steal another road victory.

The game against Nebraska tips off at 7 p.m.

Michaels update

Former volleyball player Ashley Michaels has been practicing on a regular basis with the team. However, she remains on a trial period. Henrickson said a decision concerning Michaels’ future with the basketball program would be delivered soon.

“Ashley and I had a conversation,” Henrickson said. “We both want the same things.”

Edited by Lisa Coble-Krings