UMKC Takes On Summit League Leader Oral Roberts
1/14/2011 9:01:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Kansas City, Mo. -- The UMKC women's basketball team hits the road to face Oral Roberts and Centenary in Summit League action. The Kangaroos will face the Golden Eagles at 2:05 p.m., on Jan. 15 and then close out the weekend with the Ladies on Jan. 17 at 7 p.m. UMKC is 6-10 overall this season and 1-4 in Summit League play.
The `Roos worked their way to a successful 2009-10 campaign that was highlighted by the program's first ever Division I postseason appearance. The `Roos took on Memphis in the inaugural Women' s Basketball Invitational.
Head coach Candace Whitaker is back for her fourth+ season and returning with her are four starters and 10 letterwinners from the 2009-10 record breaking squad. Whitaker welcomes back two seniors, six juniors and two sophomores. The Kangaroos will also welcome five newcomers, four freshmen and one sophomore, to the 2010-11 team.
Be A Part of the Action
Fans can listen LIVE to T.J. Jackson on 1510 AM as your UMKC Kangaroos take on the Oral Roberts Golden Eagles. For streaming and live stat information for the contest at Oral Roberts go to, www.orugoldeneagles.com. Live stats will be available for the `Roos game at Centenary at www.gocentenary.com.
Opponent Preview
Oral Roberts is 10-7 overall this season and sitting in first place at 6-0 in The Summit League. The Golden Eagles are coming off of a 84-74 win over North Dakota State on Jan. 10.
Oral Roberts is led by sophomore Kevi Luper with 23.4 points per game. Jordan Pyle is averaging 15.1 points and Jaci Bigham is sitting at 13.9 points a contest. The Golden Eagles currently lead The Summit League in scoring, averaging 80.4 points per game.
Oral Roberts is coached by Jerry Finkbeiner.
Centenary is 0-13 overall this season and 0-6 in The Summit League. The Ladies are coming off of a 89-37 loss to South Dakota State on Jan. 10. Centenary will host Southern Utah on Jan. 15, prior to taking on the Kangaroos.
Ashley Jackson is averaging 12.2 points and 7.6 rebounds to lead the Ladies, while Ne-Ne Cook is averaging 11.1 points per game.
Centenary is coached by Kristen Davis.
Series Record
The Kangaroos are 17-27 all-time against Oral Roberts. Last season, the `Roos were swept by the Golden Eagles in the regular season, 99-72 (Dec. 7) and 93-79 (Feb. 27). UMKC also faced Oral Roberts in the semi-final round of The Summit League Championships and dropped a 77-71 decision.
UMKC is 10-1 all-time against Centenary. Last season, the `Roos swept the Ladies in regular season play, 81-66 (Dec. 5) and 80-54 (March 1).
Summit League Standings
With only a month and a half left until The Summit League Championships, teams are beginning to separate themselves within The League. Oral Roberts is still unbeaten in league play, sitting 6-0. Oakland is ranked second in The Summit League with a 5-1 record and IPFW is third at 4-2.
Southern Utah is fourth at 3-2 and fifth, also with a 3-2 league record, is North Dakota State. South Dakota State is sixth at 2-3 and seventh, also with a 2-3 league record, is Western Illinois. UMKC is eighth in the league at 1-4, followed by IUPUI who is also 1-4. Centenary rounds out The League standings at 10th at 0-6.
UMKC still has yet to play Oral Roberts, Centenary, Western Illinois and IUPUI this season. Only the top-eight teams will advance to The Summit League Championships in Sioux Falls, S.D.
Hill Breaks UMKC Freshman Blocking Record
Hill is sitting at 45 blocks this season, making her the top blocking freshman in UMKC school history. Hill surpassed teammate Mariah Davis, who recorded 41 blocks her freshman year in the 2008-09 season. The freshman also holds the school record for most blocks recorded in a half. The Lawrence, Kan., native finished with six blocks at Kansas, all recorded in the first half.
In The Summit League, Hill ranks second with 3.0 blocks per game. She is behind Brittany Carnago of Oakland with 3.1 blocks per game.
Thanks to Hill's long arms, UMKC is second in blocking in The Summit League with 4.9 blocks per game and 78 on the year.
O'Connor Consistent On The Floor
Freshman Eilise O'Connor has led the Kangaroos in points for four games and recorded her fifth double-digit match against Southern Utah with 16 points. The San Francisco, Calif., native scored a career-high 22 points against North Dakota State on Dec. 29.
O'Connor is averaging 8.3 points per game and 2.9 assists per contest. She leads the `Roos with 46 assists on the season.
UMKC Statistical Leaders
Dayon Hall-Jones continues to lead the `Roos with 9.6 points per game. The junior has scored 20 points against two opponents this season and hit 10 points or more in five games. The Dallas, Texas, native scored a career-high 21 points against Drake last season.
Kim Nezianya is averaging 5.8 rebounds per game.
Last Time Out: `Roos Get First Summit League Win; Defeat Southern Utah, 73-66
The UMKC women's basketball team notched is first Summit League win on Jan. 8 against Southern Utah, 73-66. The Kangaroos were led by LeAndrea Thomas with a season-high 18 points and Eilise O'Connor with 16 points. Kim Nezianya had nine rebounds in the game.
The Kangaroos win over the Thunderbirds snapped a three-game losing streak. UMKC shot .418 from the line and .737 from the free throw line.
`Roos Hold Kansas To 56 Points
UMKC may have dropped a 56-41 decision at Kansas on Jan. 3 but the `Roos achieved something that no other non-conference opponent has been able to do this season against the Jayhawks. Prior to facing the Kangaroos, Kansas (13-1) was averaging 82 points a game in non-conference play this season and the UMKC defense was able to hold them to just 56.
Eldridge Shows Some Muscle
Brianna Eldridge had a big first half against North Dakota State on Wednesday night. The junior finished the night with a career-high 13 rebounds. Eldridge recorded 10 first half rebounds, just one rebound shy of a UMKC school record.
O'Connor Voted Lady Osprey Holiday Tournament MVP
UMKC freshman guard Eilise O'Connor was voted to the all-tournament squad for the Lady Osprey Holiday Tournament. O'Connor was also chosen as the MVP of the tournament after leading UMKC to a 2-0 record at North Florida. The San Francisco, Calif., native averaged 11.5 points and 4.5 rebounds over the weekend.
O'Connor finished with 13 points in the 60-51 win over Bethune-Cookman on Dec. 18. She scored 10 points in the 62-55 win over Troy on Dec. 19. O'Connor shot .813 (13-16) from the free throw line over the weekend and averaged three assists.
Nezianya Doubles Up
Kim Nezianya recorded her second double-double of the season at Missouri, with 13 points and 10 rebounds. Nezianya finished with 15 points and 11 rebounds against Texas-Arlington.
The Carrollton, Texas, native recorded three double-doubles last season as a freshman. Her last double-double was against Oral Roberts in The Summit League Tournament on March 8, where Nezianya finished with 11 points and 11 rebounds.
Strong Off the Bench
The Kangaroos have been a force coming off the bench so far this season. The UMKC bench has out-scored its opponents in all but two contests this season. The `Roos bench combined for 48 points against Rockhurst and out-scored the Cardinals, 35-8, despite the loss.
Women's Hoops To Be Aired On KCWJ 1030 AM The Light & Hot Talk 1510 AM
Kangaroo fans will now have the opportunity to follow the UMKC women's basketball both home and away this season. During the 2010-11 campaign, over 80 percent of Kangaroo women's basketball games will be broadcast on the radio on KCWJ 1030 AM The Light and Hot Talk 1510 AM. T.J. Jackson will call all the play-by-play action for the 'Roos for the fifth straight season.
The Summit League Releases Women's Basketball Preseason Poll; `Roos Tabbed Sixth
The UMKC women's basketball team has been picked to finish sixth in The Summit League Preseason Poll after receiving a total of 253 points in a vote of the league's coaches, SIDs and members of the media. Oral Roberts is tabbed to finish first in The League this year, after claiming the 2009-10 regular season title.
School (1st place votes), Points
1. Oral Roberts (26), 438
2. South Dakota State (4), 393
3. Oakland, 336
4. IPFW, 285
5. North Dakota State, 274
6. UMKC, 253
7. Southern Utah, 162
Western Illinois, 162
9. IUPUI, 99
10. Centenary, 48
`Roos Break Even In 2009-10
UMKC finished the 2009-10 season with a 16-16 (.500) overall record, which is the second best winning percentage for the women's program since its admittance into The Summit League (former Mid-Continent Conference).
Whitaker Leads UMKC To School Win Record
The Kangaroos finished with a 12-6 Summit League record last season. UMKC's .667 winning percentage is the second best in school history and the 12 league victories are a school record.
The `Roos worked their way to a successful 2009-10 campaign that was highlighted by the program's first ever Division I postseason appearance. The `Roos took on Memphis in the inaugural Women' s Basketball Invitational.
Head coach Candace Whitaker is back for her fourth+ season and returning with her are four starters and 10 letterwinners from the 2009-10 record breaking squad. Whitaker welcomes back two seniors, six juniors and two sophomores. The Kangaroos will also welcome five newcomers, four freshmen and one sophomore, to the 2010-11 team.
Be A Part of the Action
Fans can listen LIVE to T.J. Jackson on 1510 AM as your UMKC Kangaroos take on the Oral Roberts Golden Eagles. For streaming and live stat information for the contest at Oral Roberts go to, www.orugoldeneagles.com. Live stats will be available for the `Roos game at Centenary at www.gocentenary.com.
Opponent Preview
Oral Roberts is 10-7 overall this season and sitting in first place at 6-0 in The Summit League. The Golden Eagles are coming off of a 84-74 win over North Dakota State on Jan. 10.
Oral Roberts is led by sophomore Kevi Luper with 23.4 points per game. Jordan Pyle is averaging 15.1 points and Jaci Bigham is sitting at 13.9 points a contest. The Golden Eagles currently lead The Summit League in scoring, averaging 80.4 points per game.
Oral Roberts is coached by Jerry Finkbeiner.
Centenary is 0-13 overall this season and 0-6 in The Summit League. The Ladies are coming off of a 89-37 loss to South Dakota State on Jan. 10. Centenary will host Southern Utah on Jan. 15, prior to taking on the Kangaroos.
Ashley Jackson is averaging 12.2 points and 7.6 rebounds to lead the Ladies, while Ne-Ne Cook is averaging 11.1 points per game.
Centenary is coached by Kristen Davis.
Series Record
The Kangaroos are 17-27 all-time against Oral Roberts. Last season, the `Roos were swept by the Golden Eagles in the regular season, 99-72 (Dec. 7) and 93-79 (Feb. 27). UMKC also faced Oral Roberts in the semi-final round of The Summit League Championships and dropped a 77-71 decision.
UMKC is 10-1 all-time against Centenary. Last season, the `Roos swept the Ladies in regular season play, 81-66 (Dec. 5) and 80-54 (March 1).
Summit League Standings
With only a month and a half left until The Summit League Championships, teams are beginning to separate themselves within The League. Oral Roberts is still unbeaten in league play, sitting 6-0. Oakland is ranked second in The Summit League with a 5-1 record and IPFW is third at 4-2.
Southern Utah is fourth at 3-2 and fifth, also with a 3-2 league record, is North Dakota State. South Dakota State is sixth at 2-3 and seventh, also with a 2-3 league record, is Western Illinois. UMKC is eighth in the league at 1-4, followed by IUPUI who is also 1-4. Centenary rounds out The League standings at 10th at 0-6.
UMKC still has yet to play Oral Roberts, Centenary, Western Illinois and IUPUI this season. Only the top-eight teams will advance to The Summit League Championships in Sioux Falls, S.D.
Hill Breaks UMKC Freshman Blocking Record
Hill is sitting at 45 blocks this season, making her the top blocking freshman in UMKC school history. Hill surpassed teammate Mariah Davis, who recorded 41 blocks her freshman year in the 2008-09 season. The freshman also holds the school record for most blocks recorded in a half. The Lawrence, Kan., native finished with six blocks at Kansas, all recorded in the first half.
In The Summit League, Hill ranks second with 3.0 blocks per game. She is behind Brittany Carnago of Oakland with 3.1 blocks per game.
Thanks to Hill's long arms, UMKC is second in blocking in The Summit League with 4.9 blocks per game and 78 on the year.
O'Connor Consistent On The Floor
Freshman Eilise O'Connor has led the Kangaroos in points for four games and recorded her fifth double-digit match against Southern Utah with 16 points. The San Francisco, Calif., native scored a career-high 22 points against North Dakota State on Dec. 29.
O'Connor is averaging 8.3 points per game and 2.9 assists per contest. She leads the `Roos with 46 assists on the season.
UMKC Statistical Leaders
Dayon Hall-Jones continues to lead the `Roos with 9.6 points per game. The junior has scored 20 points against two opponents this season and hit 10 points or more in five games. The Dallas, Texas, native scored a career-high 21 points against Drake last season.
Kim Nezianya is averaging 5.8 rebounds per game.
Last Time Out: `Roos Get First Summit League Win; Defeat Southern Utah, 73-66
The UMKC women's basketball team notched is first Summit League win on Jan. 8 against Southern Utah, 73-66. The Kangaroos were led by LeAndrea Thomas with a season-high 18 points and Eilise O'Connor with 16 points. Kim Nezianya had nine rebounds in the game.
The Kangaroos win over the Thunderbirds snapped a three-game losing streak. UMKC shot .418 from the line and .737 from the free throw line.
`Roos Hold Kansas To 56 Points
UMKC may have dropped a 56-41 decision at Kansas on Jan. 3 but the `Roos achieved something that no other non-conference opponent has been able to do this season against the Jayhawks. Prior to facing the Kangaroos, Kansas (13-1) was averaging 82 points a game in non-conference play this season and the UMKC defense was able to hold them to just 56.
Eldridge Shows Some Muscle
Brianna Eldridge had a big first half against North Dakota State on Wednesday night. The junior finished the night with a career-high 13 rebounds. Eldridge recorded 10 first half rebounds, just one rebound shy of a UMKC school record.
O'Connor Voted Lady Osprey Holiday Tournament MVP
UMKC freshman guard Eilise O'Connor was voted to the all-tournament squad for the Lady Osprey Holiday Tournament. O'Connor was also chosen as the MVP of the tournament after leading UMKC to a 2-0 record at North Florida. The San Francisco, Calif., native averaged 11.5 points and 4.5 rebounds over the weekend.
O'Connor finished with 13 points in the 60-51 win over Bethune-Cookman on Dec. 18. She scored 10 points in the 62-55 win over Troy on Dec. 19. O'Connor shot .813 (13-16) from the free throw line over the weekend and averaged three assists.
Nezianya Doubles Up
Kim Nezianya recorded her second double-double of the season at Missouri, with 13 points and 10 rebounds. Nezianya finished with 15 points and 11 rebounds against Texas-Arlington.
The Carrollton, Texas, native recorded three double-doubles last season as a freshman. Her last double-double was against Oral Roberts in The Summit League Tournament on March 8, where Nezianya finished with 11 points and 11 rebounds.
Strong Off the Bench
The Kangaroos have been a force coming off the bench so far this season. The UMKC bench has out-scored its opponents in all but two contests this season. The `Roos bench combined for 48 points against Rockhurst and out-scored the Cardinals, 35-8, despite the loss.
Women's Hoops To Be Aired On KCWJ 1030 AM The Light & Hot Talk 1510 AM
Kangaroo fans will now have the opportunity to follow the UMKC women's basketball both home and away this season. During the 2010-11 campaign, over 80 percent of Kangaroo women's basketball games will be broadcast on the radio on KCWJ 1030 AM The Light and Hot Talk 1510 AM. T.J. Jackson will call all the play-by-play action for the 'Roos for the fifth straight season.
The Summit League Releases Women's Basketball Preseason Poll; `Roos Tabbed Sixth
The UMKC women's basketball team has been picked to finish sixth in The Summit League Preseason Poll after receiving a total of 253 points in a vote of the league's coaches, SIDs and members of the media. Oral Roberts is tabbed to finish first in The League this year, after claiming the 2009-10 regular season title.
School (1st place votes), Points
1. Oral Roberts (26), 438
2. South Dakota State (4), 393
3. Oakland, 336
4. IPFW, 285
5. North Dakota State, 274
6. UMKC, 253
7. Southern Utah, 162
Western Illinois, 162
9. IUPUI, 99
10. Centenary, 48
`Roos Break Even In 2009-10
UMKC finished the 2009-10 season with a 16-16 (.500) overall record, which is the second best winning percentage for the women's program since its admittance into The Summit League (former Mid-Continent Conference).
Whitaker Leads UMKC To School Win Record
The Kangaroos finished with a 12-6 Summit League record last season. UMKC's .667 winning percentage is the second best in school history and the 12 league victories are a school record.
Players Mentioned
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