Nobody promised Marian Washington a rose garden in her 29th season as Kansas University's women's basketball coach.
But she was not expecting this many thorns.
"I knew it would be tough," Washington said in the wake of Wednesday night's 70-35 pasting by No. 22 Colorado in Allen Fieldhouse, "but I don't know if I thought it would be this challenging."
Here are the latest thorns:
l KU's 35 points were the fewest in school history. The previous low was 39 against Louisiana Tech in 1981.
l The 35-point margin was the worst Kansas defeat since a 46-point flogging by Virginia 11 years ago.
l The Jayhawks dropped their fifth straight, their longest losing streak in 15 years.
l KU's 13 first-half points were the second fewest ever scored in a half.
l KU shot a season-low 24 percent (14 of 58).
"Tonight was really bad," Washington said, "because nobody was on."
Selena Scott and KC Hilgenkamp, the only Jayhawks averaging double figures in scoring, combined for 12 points and were 5-of-25 from the floor.
"It was a real bad night," Scott said. "KC and I didn't put up numbers tonight and that hurt the team."
Only Kristin Geoffroy put up double figures, but barely. The 6-foot-6 senior scored 10 points.
Kansas actually led this one 11-7 after the first 91*2 minutes. Then the Buffaloes caught fire and the Jayhawks were burned to a crisp. Colorado outscored KU, 23-2, during the last 101*2 minutes of the first half as the Jayhawks bricked 12 of their last 13 shots.
Little changed in the second half. During one stretch, the chilly Jayhawks missed 14 of 15 shots and the Buffaloes (12-6 overall; 2-3 in the Big 12) cruised.
Curiously, Colorado's bench outscored its starters, 47-23. Two of CU's starters, Randie Wirt and Jenny Roulier, failed to score. Reserve guard Kate Fagan drilled four three-pointers and led all players with 16 points.
Not that it mattered the way the Jayhawks were shooting. At least Kansas was consistent, hitting 24 percent in the first half (6 of 25) and 24.1 percent in the second (8 of 33).
"This is a situation that is extremely frustrating for everyone," Washington said. "The fact is we don't have a lot of talent now. These kids are working hard, but it's been a struggle."
Kansas (5-13 overall; 0-5) has dropped 10 of its last 12. During the five-game losing streak, the Jayhawks have been outscored by an average of 20 points.
"Nobody has given up," Scott said. "People just don't know what to do next. As long as we stick together and don't break we'll be all right. We've just got to find a way to put the ball in the hole."
Washington conceded, however, it may get worse before it gets better.
"It's reality," she said. "You can cut it any way you want, but we're going to do our best."
Notes: KU freshman Blair Waltz, who missed the last two games with a stress fracture in her right foot, played nine minutes off the bench and didn't score. "She can't plant," Washington said. Hilgenkamp was also limping late. She has a nagging lower left leg injury. Wednesday's announced crowd was 873. KU has averaged 984 fans in its eight home dates. KU will travel to Nebraska on Saturday. Game time is 7:05 p.m.
Sports editor Chuck Woodling can be reached at 832-7147.
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