KU women set sights on Iowa

? It’s atonement time for Iowa University’s women’s basketball players.

“We beat them pretty good last year,” Kansas senior Sade Morris said, “so they’re thinking it’s payback time. It’s going to be a tough game on the road.”

Tipoff for what Iowa U. officials have dubbed “Rock Chalk Buck Night” — all tickets are going for $1 — will be at 7 p.m. in Carver-Hawkeye Arena.

Almost exactly a year ago the Hawkeyes came to Allen Fieldhouse for a morning game that was part of ESPN’s marathon basketball package, and KU romped, 76-55.

“Kansas took it to us at their place last year, and they’re better this year,” Iowa coach Lisa Bluder said. “This will be the first time we’re going to see this type of defensive intensity. They’re incredibly athletic with phenomenal athletes.”

Led by preseason All-America candidate Danielle McCray, the No. 20-ranked Jayhawks blitzed Oral Roberts, 106-80, in their opener last Sunday. McCray had 27 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists.

Meanwhile, Iowa has two victories — 67-51 over Santa Clara and 75-67 over Illinois State during a weekend tourney in Carver-Hawkeye Arena.

Iowa won both those games without JoAnn Hamlin, the only senior on the roster. Hamlin, a native of Douglass, who spent her freshman season at Kansas State, has been hospitalized with a blood clot in her right leg.

“It’s pretty serious, pretty significant,” Bluder said.

The 6-foot-3 Hamlin, who has been in intensive care for more than a week, is expected to miss the entire season.