The Kansas women defeated Texas Southern 72-65 in their regular-season opener on Sunday in Lawrence. It was also the first game for Kansas coach and former Emporia State coach Brandon Schneider.
Texas Southern, the reigning SWAC champion, rallied in the second half and cut the Jayhawks’ lead to 46-45 headed into the fourth quarter, but Kansas hit its final five shots to seal the win.
Sophomore Lauren Aldridge led Kansas with 17 points and seven assists, while junior Timeka O’Neal scored 12 points on 4-of-6 shooting on three-pointers. Caelynn Manning-Allen added 12 points for Kansas.
Jazzmin Parker led Texas Southern with 25 points.