For the first time in school history, the ‘Roos have started 4-0 in conference play at home, and they did it in convincing fashion, turning Texas-Pan American over 28 times and taking a 70-45 victory to remain in second place in the WAC.
“After the first four minutes, our pressure picked up,” Head Coach Kareem Richardson said. “Causing that many turnovers and creating that many steals is what we are about. I have to give credit to Deshon (Taylor) and Noah (Knight), they really ignited us tonight in both halves.”
UMKC (10-14, 5-2 WAC) used an extended zone and full court pressure to give UTPA (8-15, 2-5 WAC) all kinds of issues, turning the guests over 17 times, including nine steals. The ‘Roos started to force the issue in the final 10:28 of the half, allowing only one Bronc field goal during that stretch.
Kansas City led by three before the defensive shutdown, but stretched it to 15 by the 2:38 mark on a three by freshman Collin Jennings. The ‘Roos held that advantage until the end of the half, taking a 34-19 lead into the break.
UMKC defended the paint well, out-scoring the Broncs 22-4 inside, while also taking an 18-4 in points off turnovers. Despite a 19-12 rebound edge by UTPA, the Kangaroos still posted a 10-2 advantage in second chance points.
The second half saw the Broncs cut the margin down to 12 by the 16:19 mark, but UMKC went on another tear from there, scoring the next nine points over a five minute span, culminating in a Deshon Taylor three with 11:14 on the clock to make it a 21-point lead.
From there it was just about managing the lead, and the Kangaroos did just that. UTPA could only get as close as 15 the rest of the way, but the ‘Roos again held the Broncs to one field goal over the final five minutes to make it to the final margin.
“One of our keys tonight was for it to be one our best assist games of the year. Last year we didn’t move the ball against them, so having 17 assists on 28 field goals was a step in the right direction.” Richardson said.
Martez Harrison had six of those assists, and scored 20 points to lead the UMKC attack. One of those assists came in highlight fashion with 5:47 to play with a 40-foot bounce pass to Broderick Newbill in the lane for a dunk in transition. As a team the ‘Roos shot 48 percent, scoring 38 points in the paint. It also had 15 steals on the night, and scored 27 points off turnovers.
Newbill scored 11 points in the game, while freshman Darius Austin tallied 10. Of the Kangaroos 70 points, 57 were by freshmen and sophomores.
The 25-point margin of victory was the largest for the ‘Roos against a Division I opponent this season. The ‘Roos win total is now at 10, matching last year’s squad.
The victory also sets up a battle for first-place on Saturday night when New Mexico State comes to town for a 6:05 p.m. tipoff. The game will be televised on KSMO in Kansas City, and on ESPN3.com nationwide, as well as the WAC Digital Network.