UMKC scored 30 points in the paint and out-rebounded UTRGV by 17 on Saturday afternoon at Municipal Auditorium, pulling away in the second period for a 75-58 victory. The 58 points by the Vaqueros were also the fewest allowed by the Roos this season.
“I was really proud about the improvement from last game to this game.” UMKC Head Coach Kareem Richardson said. “Defensively we played with great effort, and we were on the floor diving for loose balls. Shayok, Dashawn and Kyle were great on the offensive boards as well.”
The Roos (10-15, 3-7 WAC) jumped in front early on in the game, taking a 14-7 lead after a quick shooting start from LaVell Boyd, who hit two threes in the first three minutes. The Vaqueros (6-19, 2-8 WAC) rebounded though, and took a 19-18 lead with 9:15 to play in the opening period.
The teams went toe-to-toe until about the four minute mark, when the Roos started to take control. UMKC ended the half on a 9-0 run to take a 38-26 lead into the half. It matched the biggest halftime lead of the season for the Roos at 12 points.
UMKC had an 18-14 rebound edge, while Boyd paced the way on offense with 12 points.
The second stanza saw UMKC take control early on, especially inside. For the game, UMKC had 21 offensive rebounds, 13 of which came in the final period. That turned into a 21-4 advantage in second-chance points in the half. The +17 rebound margin for the game was the biggest of the season for UMKC as well.
The Roos also got after the Vaqueros defensively, holding them to 35 percent in the final half. The lead reached 18 points in the first four minutes. UTRGV was able to get it back down to as few as nine points with 9:04 to play, but wouldn’t let it get any closer. Within 10 with 6:57 to play, Martez Harrison and Kyle Steward hit back-to-back threes to push it back to 16 and virtually seal it.
Shayok Shayok set a career-high with 12 rebounds (9 offensive), including 11 points for his first career double-double. Dashawn King led the Roos in scoring for the second time this season with 17 points, while adding five rebounds. Boyd finished with 14 points, while Steward also set a career-best with 15 points.
UMKC had a 34-7 advantage in second chance points and a 30-10 margin in points in the paint. For the game, UTRGV was held to 37 percent, while UMKC shot 43 percent.
The Roos will hit the road for its final two-game swing of the year, facing Grand Canyon on Thursday, followed by Utah Valley on Saturday.
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