UMKC Set To Face Memphis In WBI Action
3/17/2010 9:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Kansas City, Mo. -- The UMKC women's basketball team extends its postseason play with an invitation to play in the inaugural Women's Basketball Invitational. The eighth seeded Kangaroos will face top seed Memphis on Thursday, March 18 at 7 p.m. in Memphis, Tenn. This is UMKC's first invitation to a postseason tournament.
Fans can follow along with live stats or watch live by going to www.gotigersgo.com.
The `Roos are coming off of a 77-71 loss to Oral Roberts in the semifinal round of The Summit League Tournament. The Kangaroos notched their 16th win this season with a 76-75 overtime victory over No. 5 North Dakota State in the first round of the league tournament.
This season, Morris leads the Kangaroos with 16.5 points per game and Nezianya is the leader in rebounds averaging 5.5 per contest.
`Roos Break Team Summit League Records At This Season's Tourney
Despite falling in the semifinals to Oral Roberts, UMKC broke a series of school tournament records. The Kangaroos set a new tournament school record in most points (76), field goals made (28), field goal percentage (.509), free throws made (17) and rebounds (52).
Chazny Morris broke UMKC's tournament records for most points (30), field goals attempted (20), three-point field goals made (7) and three-point field goals attempted. LeAndrea Thomas set a new record in free throws made (10) and free throws attempted (11) and Dayon Hall-Jones tied UMKC's previous tournament record in assists (8).
Did You Know...
- The 76-75 overtime win against North Dakota State is the `Roos first victory over an opponent who has scored 70 points or more.
- Chazny Morris tied The Summit League Tournament record with most three-pointers against North Dakota State. The senior went 7-of-14 en route to scoring a career-high 30 points.
- UMKC improves to 12-15 all-time in overtime games.
- Morris has finished in double figures in 26 games this season and in 11 of those contests she has scored 20 or more points.
- The Kangaroos are 12-5 when they head into the locker room with the lead.
- LeAndrea Thomas leads UMKC with 65 steals this year (2.2 per game). The Kansas City, Mo., native recorded a career-high seven steals against Oakland on Feb. 13.
- The Kangaroos have had a string of misfortune late in the season on the injury report. Sam Sikkink suffered a season ending injury against IPFW on Feb. 15 and Dayon Hall-Jones missed the last three regular season games due to an injury. Hall-Jones appeared in both Summit League Tournament games.
- Thomas tied a UMKC school record for most assists in a half against the Golden Eagles back on Dec. 7.
- Morris has led the `Roos in scoring in 20 games and led in rebounds in nine contests. Thomas has been the leader in points in four games this season and has led in steals in 15 games.
- The UMKC bench has been a BIG key to the 2009-10 team's success this season. The Kangaroos are 9-1 on the season when the bench combines for 30 or more points.
- The `Roos have had four players post double-doubles this season. Freshman Kim Nezianya leads the squad with three, landing her first collegiate double-double against North Dakota State on Jan. 9. Jade Tinner and Morris have also had a double-double a piece.
- The 2009-10 team ranks fourth in school history for most Division I program wins with 16.
- The last time UMKC ended the year with a winning season (.517) was in the 2003-04 season.
- In addition to notching program first wins over Drake and South Dakota State, coach Whitaker also led the women's basketball team to program first wins over Fairfield and Northern Arizona.
- Morris was named to the Bahamas Sunsplash Shootout all-Tournament team after averaging 20 points and 6.5 rebounds a game.
Scouting The Memphis Tigers
Memphis finished the 2009-10 season at 17-12 overall and 10-6 in Conference USA. The Tigers were knocked out in the first round of the Conference USA Tournament by East Carolina, 73-66. For Memphis, Brittany Carter has been leading with 18.4 points per game and Savannah Ellis leads in rebounds with 6.7 per contest. Memphis is coached by Melissa McFerrin who is in her second season.
All-time against Memphis, UMKC is 0-2. On Dec. 20., 2000 the Kangaroos suffered a 93-38 home loss and on Nov. 23, 2001 the `Roos fell in Memphis, 71-43. Both losses were under then-head coach Dana Eikenberg.
Friendly Ties
UMKC has something in common with Memphis this season. Former Kangaroos associate head coach Brett Schneider is an assistant coach with the Tigers this season.
Morris A First Team all-Summit League Selection
Senior Chazny Morris was named to the all-Summit League first team after leading the Kangaroos to a 12-6 Summit League record. Morris was fourth in the league in scoring with 15.2 points per game in league play only. This is Morris' second consecutive first team all-league honor.
`Roos Break UMKC School Record for Most Summit League Wins
UMKC recorded its 12th Summit League win after a 80-54 victory over Centenary to break the UMKC school record for most league wins. The previous record was 11 league wins set by the 2003-04 team.
Senior Spotlight
Chazny Morris will close out her career as one of the most decorated players in UMKC women's basketball history. Morris led the Kangaroos in scoring for the second straight season and broke the UMKC school record for most career points on Dec. 29. The senior currently has scored 1,797 career-points. She also ranks seventh all-time in The Summit League for career points.
Morris' name is also littered throughout the record book, as she is the leader in free throw makes (357), three-point field goals (230) and field goal attempts (1,527). The Oakland, Calif., native is also among the top-six in school history in career steals (185), blocks (77), field goals made (605), three-point field goals attempted (615), free throws attempted (459), and games played (119).
The honor is Morris' third career all-league recognition, as she was a first team all-league selection in 2008-09, after being a second team honoree as a sophomore (2007-08). Morris was also named the Mid-Continent Conference Newcomer of the Year as a freshman, while also being selected to the all-newcomer team.
David vs. Goliath
UMKC was pitted the underdog in several Summit League games this season and embraced it. The Kangaroos handed the first league losses of the 2009-10 season to North Dakota State on Jan. 9 (73-64) and IPFW on Jan. 16 (76-64).
Morris a First Half Threat
The Oakland, Calif., native has had 15 games where she has reached double figures in the first half. Morris is currently on a six game streak of scoring 10 or more points in the first half that started with IPFW on Feb. 15. The senior finished with a season-high 17 first half points against Southern Utah on Jan. 4.
Series Sweepers
The Kangaroos swept five Summit League opponents this season which is the most in school history. UMKC will close out the regular season 2-0 against Southern Utah, IPFW, IUPUI, Western Illinois and Centenary. The `Roos have never recorded two wins against the Mastodons in the regular season. The last time UMKC took both regular season games from Thunderbirds was in the 2005-06 season and the last time UMKC went 2-0 against the Leathernecks was in the 1996-97 season.
Season of Firsts
The 2009-10 Kangaroos have been making headlines ever since the season began back on Nov. 13 with the program's first win over Drake (70-68) to start the season off 1-0. Since then under head coach Candace Whitaker, UMKC has compiled a few other firsts. Earlier on in the season, the Kangaroos recorded another program first win over South Dakota State, and at Southern Utah the Kangaroos notched their first win in Centrum Arena since the 2006 season.
Bridges Names to Iowa State All-Tournament Team
Sophomore Simone Bridges was named to the Iowa State all-Tournament team following the Kangaroos game against North Carolina A&T. Bridges was consistent for UMKC in both games, averaging 14 points and 4.5 rebounds. The Murphy, Texas, native scored a career-high 18 points in the 66-63 win over Fairfield on Dec. 29.
Morris Surpasses UMKC all-Time Scoring Record
Senior Chazny Morris broke the UMKC school record for most career points against Fairfield on Dec. 29. Morris scored four points against the Stags in the Iowa State Tournament to surpass Penny Waggener's record of 1,475 career points. Headed into her last regular season games, Morris has tallied 1,797 career points.
Morris tied the all-time record in the Bahamas in the Sunsplash Shootout, scoring 40 points in two games. She surpassed Katie Houlehan's record of 1,445 points by scoring 22 points against Indiana State on Dec. 19 and finished with 18 points against Wichita State on Dec. 20 to tie Waggener.
Houlehan was the Division I leader for UMKC with 1,445 points, made during the 2001-05 seasons and Waggener was the overall `Roos leader with 1,475 points, made during the NAIA era (1981-85).
Last Time Out...
UMKC Drops Hard Fought 77-71 Decision To Oral Roberts In Summit League Semifinals
The UMKC women's basketball team dropped a 77-71 decision to Oral Roberts in the semifinal round of The Summit League Championships on Monday afternoon. The Kangaroos finish the 2009-10 season with a 16-15 overall record. Chazny Morris led the `Roos in her last game with 17 points and seven rebounds. Kim Nezianya also recorded her third double-double of the year with 11 points and 11 rebounds.
It was a very fast paced first half, but the `Roos came out on top and held a 39-37 lead at the break. Oral Roberts led in the opening minutes of the game, but UMKC would stay within striking distance. The Kangaroos tied the game for the first time at the 13 minute mark (11-11) and took their first lead a minute later, 14-13.
Oral Roberts jumped back out ahead and led by five points with 11:19 left in the first half. It wasn't until 6:18 that the `Roos would take the lead over and hold it for the remainder of the half. UMKC led by seven points (37-30) with five minutes remaining following a three-pointer by LeAndrea Thomas.
Oral Roberts quickly took the lead back in the opening minutes of the second half and jumped ahead by eight points (49-41) at the 17:33 mark. The Kangaroos would battle back and would get within one (56-55) with 10:23 left in the game following another Morris three.
Kevi Luper and the versatile Oral Roberts offense then went on a 6-0 run and to move ahead by six points with 7:58 left in the game. The `Roos again battled back and pulled to within two points following a pair of Thomas free throws with five minutes remaining. But that was the closest UMKC would get, as Oral Roberts pushed its advantage to 10-points with 25 seconds left.
The Kangaroos then closed to within six with three seconds left after Nezianya and Simone Bridges both made lay-ups but ultimately UMKC would just run out of time.
UMKC dominated Oral Roberts on the boards, 52-36, but the Kangaroos committed 22 turnovers compared to just 10 for ORU.
Fans can follow along with live stats or watch live by going to www.gotigersgo.com.
The `Roos are coming off of a 77-71 loss to Oral Roberts in the semifinal round of The Summit League Tournament. The Kangaroos notched their 16th win this season with a 76-75 overtime victory over No. 5 North Dakota State in the first round of the league tournament.
This season, Morris leads the Kangaroos with 16.5 points per game and Nezianya is the leader in rebounds averaging 5.5 per contest.
`Roos Break Team Summit League Records At This Season's Tourney
Despite falling in the semifinals to Oral Roberts, UMKC broke a series of school tournament records. The Kangaroos set a new tournament school record in most points (76), field goals made (28), field goal percentage (.509), free throws made (17) and rebounds (52).
Chazny Morris broke UMKC's tournament records for most points (30), field goals attempted (20), three-point field goals made (7) and three-point field goals attempted. LeAndrea Thomas set a new record in free throws made (10) and free throws attempted (11) and Dayon Hall-Jones tied UMKC's previous tournament record in assists (8).
Did You Know...
- The 76-75 overtime win against North Dakota State is the `Roos first victory over an opponent who has scored 70 points or more.
- Chazny Morris tied The Summit League Tournament record with most three-pointers against North Dakota State. The senior went 7-of-14 en route to scoring a career-high 30 points.
- UMKC improves to 12-15 all-time in overtime games.
- Morris has finished in double figures in 26 games this season and in 11 of those contests she has scored 20 or more points.
- The Kangaroos are 12-5 when they head into the locker room with the lead.
- LeAndrea Thomas leads UMKC with 65 steals this year (2.2 per game). The Kansas City, Mo., native recorded a career-high seven steals against Oakland on Feb. 13.
- The Kangaroos have had a string of misfortune late in the season on the injury report. Sam Sikkink suffered a season ending injury against IPFW on Feb. 15 and Dayon Hall-Jones missed the last three regular season games due to an injury. Hall-Jones appeared in both Summit League Tournament games.
- Thomas tied a UMKC school record for most assists in a half against the Golden Eagles back on Dec. 7.
- Morris has led the `Roos in scoring in 20 games and led in rebounds in nine contests. Thomas has been the leader in points in four games this season and has led in steals in 15 games.
- The UMKC bench has been a BIG key to the 2009-10 team's success this season. The Kangaroos are 9-1 on the season when the bench combines for 30 or more points.
- The `Roos have had four players post double-doubles this season. Freshman Kim Nezianya leads the squad with three, landing her first collegiate double-double against North Dakota State on Jan. 9. Jade Tinner and Morris have also had a double-double a piece.
- The 2009-10 team ranks fourth in school history for most Division I program wins with 16.
- The last time UMKC ended the year with a winning season (.517) was in the 2003-04 season.
- In addition to notching program first wins over Drake and South Dakota State, coach Whitaker also led the women's basketball team to program first wins over Fairfield and Northern Arizona.
- Morris was named to the Bahamas Sunsplash Shootout all-Tournament team after averaging 20 points and 6.5 rebounds a game.
Scouting The Memphis Tigers
Memphis finished the 2009-10 season at 17-12 overall and 10-6 in Conference USA. The Tigers were knocked out in the first round of the Conference USA Tournament by East Carolina, 73-66. For Memphis, Brittany Carter has been leading with 18.4 points per game and Savannah Ellis leads in rebounds with 6.7 per contest. Memphis is coached by Melissa McFerrin who is in her second season.
All-time against Memphis, UMKC is 0-2. On Dec. 20., 2000 the Kangaroos suffered a 93-38 home loss and on Nov. 23, 2001 the `Roos fell in Memphis, 71-43. Both losses were under then-head coach Dana Eikenberg.
Friendly Ties
UMKC has something in common with Memphis this season. Former Kangaroos associate head coach Brett Schneider is an assistant coach with the Tigers this season.
Morris A First Team all-Summit League Selection
Senior Chazny Morris was named to the all-Summit League first team after leading the Kangaroos to a 12-6 Summit League record. Morris was fourth in the league in scoring with 15.2 points per game in league play only. This is Morris' second consecutive first team all-league honor.
`Roos Break UMKC School Record for Most Summit League Wins
UMKC recorded its 12th Summit League win after a 80-54 victory over Centenary to break the UMKC school record for most league wins. The previous record was 11 league wins set by the 2003-04 team.
Senior Spotlight
Chazny Morris will close out her career as one of the most decorated players in UMKC women's basketball history. Morris led the Kangaroos in scoring for the second straight season and broke the UMKC school record for most career points on Dec. 29. The senior currently has scored 1,797 career-points. She also ranks seventh all-time in The Summit League for career points.
Morris' name is also littered throughout the record book, as she is the leader in free throw makes (357), three-point field goals (230) and field goal attempts (1,527). The Oakland, Calif., native is also among the top-six in school history in career steals (185), blocks (77), field goals made (605), three-point field goals attempted (615), free throws attempted (459), and games played (119).
The honor is Morris' third career all-league recognition, as she was a first team all-league selection in 2008-09, after being a second team honoree as a sophomore (2007-08). Morris was also named the Mid-Continent Conference Newcomer of the Year as a freshman, while also being selected to the all-newcomer team.
David vs. Goliath
UMKC was pitted the underdog in several Summit League games this season and embraced it. The Kangaroos handed the first league losses of the 2009-10 season to North Dakota State on Jan. 9 (73-64) and IPFW on Jan. 16 (76-64).
Morris a First Half Threat
The Oakland, Calif., native has had 15 games where she has reached double figures in the first half. Morris is currently on a six game streak of scoring 10 or more points in the first half that started with IPFW on Feb. 15. The senior finished with a season-high 17 first half points against Southern Utah on Jan. 4.
Series Sweepers
The Kangaroos swept five Summit League opponents this season which is the most in school history. UMKC will close out the regular season 2-0 against Southern Utah, IPFW, IUPUI, Western Illinois and Centenary. The `Roos have never recorded two wins against the Mastodons in the regular season. The last time UMKC took both regular season games from Thunderbirds was in the 2005-06 season and the last time UMKC went 2-0 against the Leathernecks was in the 1996-97 season.
Season of Firsts
The 2009-10 Kangaroos have been making headlines ever since the season began back on Nov. 13 with the program's first win over Drake (70-68) to start the season off 1-0. Since then under head coach Candace Whitaker, UMKC has compiled a few other firsts. Earlier on in the season, the Kangaroos recorded another program first win over South Dakota State, and at Southern Utah the Kangaroos notched their first win in Centrum Arena since the 2006 season.
Bridges Names to Iowa State All-Tournament Team
Sophomore Simone Bridges was named to the Iowa State all-Tournament team following the Kangaroos game against North Carolina A&T. Bridges was consistent for UMKC in both games, averaging 14 points and 4.5 rebounds. The Murphy, Texas, native scored a career-high 18 points in the 66-63 win over Fairfield on Dec. 29.
Morris Surpasses UMKC all-Time Scoring Record
Senior Chazny Morris broke the UMKC school record for most career points against Fairfield on Dec. 29. Morris scored four points against the Stags in the Iowa State Tournament to surpass Penny Waggener's record of 1,475 career points. Headed into her last regular season games, Morris has tallied 1,797 career points.
Morris tied the all-time record in the Bahamas in the Sunsplash Shootout, scoring 40 points in two games. She surpassed Katie Houlehan's record of 1,445 points by scoring 22 points against Indiana State on Dec. 19 and finished with 18 points against Wichita State on Dec. 20 to tie Waggener.
Houlehan was the Division I leader for UMKC with 1,445 points, made during the 2001-05 seasons and Waggener was the overall `Roos leader with 1,475 points, made during the NAIA era (1981-85).
Last Time Out...
UMKC Drops Hard Fought 77-71 Decision To Oral Roberts In Summit League Semifinals
The UMKC women's basketball team dropped a 77-71 decision to Oral Roberts in the semifinal round of The Summit League Championships on Monday afternoon. The Kangaroos finish the 2009-10 season with a 16-15 overall record. Chazny Morris led the `Roos in her last game with 17 points and seven rebounds. Kim Nezianya also recorded her third double-double of the year with 11 points and 11 rebounds.
It was a very fast paced first half, but the `Roos came out on top and held a 39-37 lead at the break. Oral Roberts led in the opening minutes of the game, but UMKC would stay within striking distance. The Kangaroos tied the game for the first time at the 13 minute mark (11-11) and took their first lead a minute later, 14-13.
Oral Roberts jumped back out ahead and led by five points with 11:19 left in the first half. It wasn't until 6:18 that the `Roos would take the lead over and hold it for the remainder of the half. UMKC led by seven points (37-30) with five minutes remaining following a three-pointer by LeAndrea Thomas.
Oral Roberts quickly took the lead back in the opening minutes of the second half and jumped ahead by eight points (49-41) at the 17:33 mark. The Kangaroos would battle back and would get within one (56-55) with 10:23 left in the game following another Morris three.
Kevi Luper and the versatile Oral Roberts offense then went on a 6-0 run and to move ahead by six points with 7:58 left in the game. The `Roos again battled back and pulled to within two points following a pair of Thomas free throws with five minutes remaining. But that was the closest UMKC would get, as Oral Roberts pushed its advantage to 10-points with 25 seconds left.
The Kangaroos then closed to within six with three seconds left after Nezianya and Simone Bridges both made lay-ups but ultimately UMKC would just run out of time.
UMKC dominated Oral Roberts on the boards, 52-36, but the Kangaroos committed 22 turnovers compared to just 10 for ORU.
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/ Women's BasketballHead Coach Mark Turgeon Full Introductory Press Conference
Monday, March 09
Women's Basketball Highlights vs. #2 South Dakota State
Thursday, March 05
Women's Basketball Highlights at St. Thomas
Wednesday, February 25
Women's Basketball Highlights vs. Oral Roberts
Saturday, February 21