Cowgirls hit home stretch while focusing on improvement

Heading down the final stretch of games before the conference tournament, the Cowgirls have their minds set on improvement.

Oklahoma State (13-10, 5-9 Big 12) will take on the Wildcats of Kansas State tonight in Bramlage Coliseum.

In their first meeting in Gallagher-Iba Arena on Jan. 28, the Cowgirls lost to the Wildcats 67-56. OSU coach Jim Littell said he is looking forward to the rematch after seeing how his players have been working in the gym this week.

"We had a really good practice (Monday)," Littell said. "The focus has been taking good shots and not being so hurried."

The Cowgirls, who lost to defending national champion Texas A&M on Saturday, said they hope to rid themselves of their cold offense as of late and halt a three game losing skid.

During the losing streak, the Cowgirls were held to less than 40 percent shooting.

Liz Donohoe, who leads the team in scoring, has been out of character during the last three games, having 20 points combined compared to her 12.1 points per game average.

"I don't think I did one thing right (against A&M)," Donohoe said. "I need to improve on everything."

Although the freshman guard gathered 14 points and nine rebounds in her first meeting with KSU (17-9, 8-6), Donohoe is modest about the way she played.

"I shouldn't have got all those points," Donohoe said. "I need to take better shots, and I think that's part of the reason I've been struggling lately."

Donohoe's shooting troubles have taken a hit to her confidence, but she continues to receive support from her coaches and teammates.

"I've talked to the coaches, and I'm fine, " Donohoe said. "I just need to work in the gym.  Practice was great and has helped my confidence. I just can't get down on myself."

In response to the recent rough offensive outings, Littell has made shooting the focus of his practices, and the recent results have him positive about playing Kansas State.

"We're doing some things different this go round that will be beneficial to our players," Littell said. "I thought we made adjustments on what's a good shot and what's a bad shot."

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