Senior Catic shines in postseason

Friday, March 27, 2009

Apparently senior Ivana Catic believes in jinxes.

When told after Kansas’ win over Arkansas she has had just three turnovers in four postseason games, Catic laughed and scooted her chair to the nearest table. There she performed one of the oldest superstitions around: knocking on wood.

In Thursday night’s game, Catic continued to control Kansas offense with extreme efficiency. She turned it over once to go with eight assists in the 75-59 win in the third round of the Women’s NIT. She attributes the increased efficiency to watching more film.

Photo Gallery

Kansas Women's Basketball vs. Arkansas

A photo gallery of the women's basketball game against Arkansas.

“It has really helped me,” Catic said. “As a senior, I kind of wish I would have started that earlier because I think it really opened my eyes to some things.”

Coach Bonnie Henrickson says she felt Catic has improved in the postseason as well.

“She has done a good job of managing possessions and making good decisions, ” Henrickson said.

Catic said her understanding of the offense helped her pace the Jayhawks when a few of the starters picked up two fouls and were relegated to the bench. Sophomore Krysten Boogaard picked up two fouls in three minutes and didn’t check back into the game until the second half. Sophomore Nicolette Smith also picked up two early fouls.

Late in the first half, Catic was the lone starter on the floor. In order to keep the offense flowing until halftime, Catic huddled her teammates after every dead ball.

“I just told whoever was in to stay aggressive and not turn the ball over,” Catic said. “Sometimes I think we get nervous when [Danielle] and [Sade] aren’t in.”

Catic’s steady point guard play helped the Jayhawks acquire a 13 point lead at halftime. She recorded seven assists to go with no turnovers in the first half.

Her contributions didn’t just show up in the box score. She went to the floor several times to either maintain or reacquire Kansas’ possession. Henrickson also noted that Catic tipped a few rebounds to teammates.

The differences in body language between the Razorbacks and Catic were striking. Arkansas looked confused and unorganized when warming up for the second half and their bench rarely showed much support.

Catic yelled and swung her arms in the air after junior Danielle McCray buried a three-pointer early in the second half and applauded every Kansas effort when she took a quick break on the bench.

Catic said her energy and hustle plays mostly come from her extreme desire to keep her season going.

“It’s exciting to still be playing in March when a lot of teams aren’t playing anymore,” Catic said. “It’s March Madness, and it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity for me to go all the way.”

— — Edited by Justin Leverett

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