Jan. 6, 2013
Mallory Majcher, Texas Media Relations
AUSTIN, Texas -- Freshman guard Empress Davenport posted a career-high 12 points and seven rebounds in the Women’s Basketball team’s second conference game of the season against Oklahoma on Saturday at the Frank Erwin Center.
Head coach Karen Aston has taken note of Davenport’s performance to kick start conference play. Imani McGee-Stafford and Nneka Enemkpali have been the team’s leading rebounders; however, Davenport is showing that she can also be a key contributor.
“[Davenport] continues to do what she is asked to do,” Aston said. “She has really picked it up over the past two games, especially in rebounding.”
Continuing to improve in all aspects of her game, Davenport maintains a modest attitude about her recent performances and gives the credit to the hard work of her team.
“Big 12 is a difficult conference and we have to stay aggressive,” Davenport said. “That’s how we get (impressive) numbers. Everyone goes out and plays aggressive.”
The Longhorns posted a season-high 27 offensive rebounds -- two more than the Sooners total 25 -- and UT outrebounded its Red River rival by 23. Despite four players posting double-digit points and posting 48 total rebounds, UT fell short to OU, 78-70. The Longhorns are now 0-2 in Big 12 play.
“Losing is not fun, but they are going to keep getting better because they want to get better,” said Aston. “Coaches can’t be mad about that.”
This young team is shifting dependency to many of the freshman including Davenport and freshman center Imani McGee-Stafford.
“These young players have been out there all year long, and they will continue to be out there,” Aston said. “The freshmen are in the fire, all of them. They are going to continue to learn by making mistakes and playing in these tough conference games.”
Aston says that the team’s success in the rebound column “keeps [the Longhorns] in the game.”
McGee-Stafford is putting this game behind her and preparing for their third conference game in Morgantown.
“We didn’t get the ‘W,’ but that is not going to affect us next week,” said McGee-Stafford.
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