Kansas Women’s Basketball Defeats Washburn 68-50

The Jayhawks secured a victory in Lawrence behind a dominant second-half performance.

Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Basketball

Kansas Women’s Basketball Defeats Washburn 68-50

Live Poll

Should local university athletic teams prioritize player development experience over winning early-season games?

The Kansas women’s basketball team defeated Washburn with a final score of 68-50. The game featured significant runs from both squads, with Kansas pulling away after a strong third quarter.

Why it matters

The exhibition victory allows the Kansas team to finalize their rotation and test strategic adjustments before officially opening their regular season schedule.

Kansas outscored Washburn 21-7 in the third quarter to build a decisive lead. Defensively, Kansas forced 27 turnovers while Washburn recorded 25 takeaways.

The players

Kansas women's basketball team

The NCAA Division I basketball program representing the University of Kansas in Lawrence.

Washburn

The athletic department representing Washburn University, a public institution located in Topeka, Kansas.

Libby Fandell

A player who led Kansas in scoring during the matchup with 16 points.

Brittany Harshaw

A key contributor who recorded 15 points in the contest.

Regan Williams

A player who added 14 points for Kansas during the victory.

The details

Kansas used a 13-0 scoring run in the second quarter to establish a 26-13 lead. Washburn attempted a comeback in the fourth quarter with an 11-0 run, but Kansas maintained a 14-point cushion to close out the game.

The game took place on October 29, 2026.
Kansas plays Omaha on November 3, 2026.
Washburn begins their season on November 13, 2026.

Season Trajectory

The game serves as a final preparatory benchmark before the start of the official NCAA Division I basketball season. It provides coaching staffs with a final opportunity to evaluate roster depth and chemistry against an opposing defensive scheme.

Kansas successfully navigated a high-turnover environment, forcing 27 miscues to offset their own ball-handling struggles. The 14-point margin of victory highlights the effectiveness of the team's third-quarter adjustments on both ends of the floor.

The takeaway

Exhibition games provide a critical look at player development and squad depth before the intensity of conference play begins. Coaches utilize these matchups to identify which rotation combinations produce the highest efficiency against live opponents.

What happens next

Kansas will open their official 2026-2027 season against Omaha on November 3, 2026. Washburn is scheduled to start their season on November 13, 2026, at the Central Region Crossover.