Kersgieter's 24 not enough as Kansas falls to Penn State, 91-85

The Jayhawks lost in their first road test of the season.

Before the season, Brandon Schneider mentioned he was asked to step up the difficulty on the non-conference schedule. And just the second game into the season, it is fair to say that has happened. The Kansas Jayhawks hit the road on Monday night to take on a Penn State Nittany Lions squad that was looking to integrate quite a few transfers. The visitors didn't have quite enough in them to overcome hot shooting from Penn State, falling 91-85.

The early game seemed to be hinting that this game would be a fast-paced matchup, and Kansas was the team better equipped for that pace. They jumped out to an 8-2 lead and it looked like the visitors were in for a great night. But Penn State hit three straight threes, something that foreshadowed the way the rest of the night would go. The Nittany Lions hit five of seven three point shots and took a one point lead into the second quarter.

The second quarter didn't get any better, as the Jayhawks went ice cold from three. It was only Zakiyah Franklin getting to the line and Taiyanna Jackson being perfect from the field that kept Kansas in the game. They trailed by 12 at the half.

Kansas came out on a tear in the second half, putting together a quick 12-2 run to get right back in the game. S'mya Nichols hit two free throws and a fastbreak layup from Wyvette Mayberry got them started, and then Holly Kersgieter dropped 8 straight points for Kansas. Unfortunately, it wasn't enough as Penn State took off on a run of their own. Kansas tried a few more times to get back into the game, but every time they seemed to make some headway they were met with another Penn State run.

Holly Kersgieter led the Jayhawks with 24 points, 4 rebounds and 6 assists. She was joined in scoring double digits by three other players. Taiyanna Jackson had 18 points, 8 rebounds and 2 blocks, Zakiyah Franklin had 17 points to go with 2 rebounds and 5 assists, and S'mya Nichols score 14 points, pulling down 2 rebounds and dishing out 3 assists.

Kansas shot just 47.5% on the night, but shored up their numbers by getting to the line and making 21 of their 26 foul shots. But they also sent Penn State to the line a lot, committing 22 fouls and putting 5 players into foul trouble.

Kansas falls to 1-1 on the season. They return to Lawrence before three straight neutral site games. Up first is a game against the UMKC Roos on Saturday at 3:15pm in Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City, MO.