Gaston sparks No. 24 Texas women to 68-65 win over Kansas

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — DeYona Gaston scored 24 points and intercepted a half-court pass as time ran out to preserve No. 24 Texas’ 68-65 win over Kansas to remain in first place in the Big-12 Conference on Saturday.

Texas had a chance to put the game away from the free-throw line in the closing seconds, but missed three of four attempts, leaving the Jayhawks with an opening to tie the game with three seconds left. Sanna Strom’s long pass to the front court was picked off by Gaston and the Longhorns were able to run out the clock.

Texas trailed 34-28 at intermission, but rallied behind Gaston, who scored six in a 12-4 run to put the Longhorns up 40-38. Kansas came right back behind Taiyanna Jackson’s three-point play and two free throws to grab a 53-48 lead after three quarters.

Gaston hit a jumper with 4:33 left to put Texas in front for good, 61-59, then made it a four-point lead with a jumper with 1:54 left. Holly Kersgieter’s open 3 with 10 seconds left pulled Kansas within two, 67-65 and the Jayhawks immediately fouled Rori Harmon, who missed both free throws. Khadija Faye collected a Kansas turnover and drew a quick foul, but missed the first free throw with three seconds left.

Gaston was 12 of 20 from the field, pulled down seven rebounds and had four steals to lead Texas (18-6, 9-2 Big 12). Sonya Morris had 13 points and Faye pulled down 10 rebounds.

Jackson scored 21 points and grabbed 13 rebounds to lead Kansas (14-7, 4-6). Zakiyah Franklin scored 20 points and Wyvette Mayberry added 12.

Texas returns home to play host to Texas Tech on Wednesday. Kansas plays host to TCU on Wednesday.

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AP women’s college basketball:

https://apnews.com/hub/womens-college-basketball and https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-womens-college-basketball-poll and https://twitter.com/AP_Top25