UMKC Heads To Utah Valley to Tip Off Six-Game Road Swing
11/18/2011 5:03:00 PM | Men's Basketball
Radio: 1140 AM/ 102.9 FM (Steven Davis)
Webcast: WolverineGreen.com
Live Stats: WolverineGreen.com
THE GAME
The Kangaroos start a six-game road swing on Saturday, starting with a trip to Orem, Utah for a contest with the Utah Valley Wolverines. The game, which tips off at 8:00 p.m. from the UCCU Center, will be nationally televised on Fox College Sports.
SCOUTING THE OPPOSITION
Utah Valley comes into the contest at 2-1 overall after shutting down Grambling State 64-34 on Wednesday. The Wolverines dropped an 81-74 decision to Houston, while defeating Simpson in the season opener. This will be the third home game for UVU.
They are led by the Big West Player of the Week in senior forward Geddes Robinson, averaging 11.7 points and 10.7 boards per game. The biggest scoring threat is Great West Player of the Year Isiah Williams at 17.3 points per game. The Wolverines are out-rebounding opponents by nine per game, and holding opponents to only 34 percent from the floor.
THE COACHES
Matt Brown is in his fifth season as the head coach of the UMKC men's basketball program, and comes off his most successful season at the helm. In 2010-11, he posted his first winning record at 16-14 overall. The 'Roos also posted the third-most home wins in school history, going 11-4 in Kansas City, and the third-most overall wins in program history.
Brown joined the 'Roos as the eighth head coach in school history on April 12, 2007. In his five seasons as head coach, Brown has guided UMKC to a 43-79 overall record and has coached seven players to all-Summit League recognition.
Dick Hunsaker is in his 10th season at Utah Valley and boasts a 169-98 record there. He has more than 30 years of experience and boasts a head coaching record of 336-171 overall. He is the reining Great West Conference Coach of the Year.
THE SERIES
The Kangaroos and Woverines are meeting for the sixth time, with UVU holding a 3-2 advantage in the series. The 'Roos won last season's meeting at home by a 70-63 score.
On the road in Orem, UMKC is 0-2, dropping games in 2006 and 2007. Matt Brown is 1-0 against the Wolverines, while Dick Hunsaker is 3-2 against the Kangaroos.