Brisbane, Australia ? Danielle McCray poured in 26 points, and Kansas University’s women’s basketball team tripped Logan Blue, 78-71, on Thursday during its four-game tour of Australia.

McCray scored 14 of her points in the third quarter as the Jayhawks bounced back from an 88-54 thumping by a Sydney club team two nights earlier.

“This is a step in the right direction for us,” KU coach Bonnie Henrickson said. “It’s a win, and we had a lot of positives, but I am certainly looking forward to us playing better in our upcoming games.”

Kansas led, 39-32, at the break following Ivana Catic’s running layup at the buzzer.

“Offensively, we started off with a good flow,” Henrickson said. “Defensively, we also played well to open the game, but then we started fouling. They were making their free throws, which let them back in the game.”

Kansas bolted to a 14-point lead midway through the third quarter, thanks mainly to McCray, a sophomore guard who drilled a pair of three-pointers, sped for a pair of layups and made two free throws.

But the Jayhawks, who were whistled for 32 personal fouls, helped Logan Blue cut the lead to four before senior forward Taylor McIntosh took over in the fourth quarter, scoring 11 straight points during one span.

“It was great for us to be able to pull this one out,” Henrickson said. “Taylor was great for us down the stretch. She finished a couple of tough shots and got on the offensive glass. That’s what a senior should do and what we need her to do.”

McCray made eight of 18 shots, including two of four from beyond the arc, on her way to 26 points in just 25 minutes. She also made eight of 11 charities and had six rebounds and two assists.

“Danielle got some good looks tonight,” Henrickson said. “I thought her shot selection was much better. She shot the three well and made free throws. She scored in so many different ways. If she had not had to sit down with foul trouble, there is no telling how many points she might have scored.”

McIntosh posted a double-double with 18 points and 10 boards, making eight of 11 shots. Sophomore Sade Morris tossed in 13 points, collected eight rebounds and had two steals. Soph Porscha Weddington had 11 points and seven boards.

Overall, KU shot 43.5 percent (30 of 69) and outrebounded Logan Blue, 44-43. The host team shot only 36.4 percent (22 of 55), but converted 31 of 46 free-throw attempts.

Kansas will remain in Brisbane for a game Saturday against Logan Red.