University of Washington
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Western Michigan
Kingma Powers Huskies To 59-40 Win Over Broncos
December 20, 2010 | Women's Basketball
Dec. 20, 2010
SEATTLE - Kristi Kingma understands it's her role to score. But with the Huskies coming off a sluggish performance in their previous game, she admitted to feeling even more compelled to put the team on her shoulders.
The junior responded, tallying 20 of her 25 points in the first half to help the Huskies race past Western Michigan, 59-40, at Hec Edmundson Pavilion on Monday night. It was the eighth straight game that Kingma has netted double-figures in points, something no Husky accomplished last year.
With a shorthanded bench exacerbated by foul trouble, the Huskies once again showed their blue-collar mettle against the Broncos. That style of play has been a defining attribute of this year's team according to Coach Tia Jackson, who credited her team's resiliency for pushing past the team's injury woes.
Coming off a frustrating loss to UC-Riverside, the Huskies also took a step inward in practice to focus on offensive execution. And from the onset it was evident the drills had taken hold. Kingma curled and weaved through screens, finding open holes in the Broncos defense. Once she fell into rhythm, it seemed there was little Western Michigan could do to limit her looks and touches. Powered by some prodding from the coaching staff, Kingma felt the need to find her offense.
"Coach J kind of pushed me this week in practice to just keep shooting regardless of what was happening," Kingma said. "I came out and tried to be aggressive from the jump and shots were falling."
Kingma hit 9-of-17 shots from the floor, including 3-of-7 from deep. She also recorded three steals and tied a career-high with seven rebounds in 38 minutes of work. The Huskies as a whole made 46 percent of their attempts, a season high. Sarah Morton added 11 points, five assists and five rebounds. The senior point guard worked a slick two-person game with Kingma, threading passes in the half-court offense to her fellow captain.
"Kristi is really fun to play with," Morton said. "I've got a lot of confidence in her, especially when she's coming off a screen."
The defense was impressive as well in holding Western Michigan to 40 points, a season-low for the Broncos. Charmaine Barlow was a particular thorn in the Broncos side on defense, shutting down star guard Taylor Manley, who hit just 4-of-14 shots from the floor.
Playing without Mercedes Wetmore (undisclosed medical issue) or Regina Rogers (hamstring), an already thin Husky bench had reached a precipice. Jackson joked after the game she might have to dust off her uniform, but noted the minutes she continues to spoon to young players like Kassia Fortier and Marjorie Heard will only help when Pac-10 play rolls around.
Of course, Jackson wouldn't mind having some extra reinforcements.
"We are fun to watch because we go and outwork people," Jackson said. "Adding that extra firepower will just make it more enjoyable."
Until that time comes, the Huskies will have to rely on the players on hand. Luckily of those players is Kingma, who has shown she's quite capable of carrying the scoring load when needed.
"She can do that on any given night. I think she had an exceptional game," Jackson said. "She is a true, true leader on every level."
