UMKC Back At Home With Centenary And Oral Roberts
2/11/2011 1:40:00 PM | Women's Basketball
Kansas City, Mo. -- The UMKC women's basketball team will host Centenary and Oral Roberts this weekend in Summit League action. The Kangaroos will host the Ladies on Saturday at 4 p.m., and take on the Golden Eagles on Monday night at 7 p.m.
The Kangaroos are coming off of a 71-68 win at Southern Utah. The win over the Thunderbirds puts the `Roos at 10-13 overall and 5-7 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 and Cindy Stein on KCWJ 1030 AM as the Kangaroos host both Centenary and Oral Roberts. Saturday's match-up with the Ladies will also be aired on KSMO.
For live streaming and statistics for both games, go to www.UMKCKangaroos.com.
Opponent Preview
Centenary is 0-20 overall and 0-13 in The Summit League. The Ladies are currently sitting last in the league standings and are coming off of a 71-62 loss to North Dakota State. Centenary is led by Ashley Jackson with 12.5 points per game and Ne-Ne Cook is averaging 11.2 points per contest. Anne Farrell leads the Ladies with seven rebounds per game.
Oral Roberts is 17-7 overall and 13-0 in The Summit League. The Golden Eagles are No. one in the league standings and have already clinched a spot in The Summit League Championships. Oral Roberts is coming off of a 85-78 win over South Dakota State on Feb. 7.
The Golden Eagles have three players in double figures, led by Kevi Luper with 23.8 points per game. Jordan Pyle is averaging 15.6 points and Jaci Bigham is at 13.9 points per contest. Oral Roberts will play at Southern Utah on Feb. 12 prior to playing at UMKC on Monday night.
Series Record
UMKC is 11-1 all-time against Centenary, while head coach Candace Whitaker is 6-0 against the Ladies. The Kangaroos posted a 98-49 win at Centenary earlier on in the season. Peyton Adamson had a career-high 14 points, while Ashli Hill finished with 12 and Eilise O'Connor, Simone Bridges and Dayon Hall-Jones all finished with 11.
The Kangaroos are 17-28 against the Golden Eagles all-time. Earlier on in the year, UMKC suffered a 90-79 loss in Tulsa, Okla. Despite the loss, the `Roos were led by guards LeAndrea Thomas and O'Connor. Thomas led the squad with 16 points and O'Connor contributed 15 points. Thomas also recorded a career-high eight steals.
Future `Roo Hardieck Breaks Kansas Three-Point Career Record
Incoming UMKC women's basketball player Lexi Hardieck broke the Kansas record for career three-pointers on Jan. 27. The senior hit five three's to break the record of 331 set by Laurie Koehn in 2000. Hardieck is the single season record holder with 132 three's, set last season. The senior is currently at 334 career-three's and counting.
The previous record holder, Koehn, was a Kansas State standout from 2001-05. Koehn led the Wildcats from the three-point line all four years and was drafted by the Washington Mystics in 2007 as a free agent.
UMKC Statistical Leaders
Eilise O'Connor leads the squad with 9.6 points per game overall and 12.3 points in league play only this season. O'Connor has landed in double figures in 10 games this year and scored a career-high 22 points on Dec. 29 against the Bison.
Brianna Eldridge is averaging 6.6 boards per contest overall and 7.6 in league play to lead UMKC. Eldridge finished with a career-high 13 rebounds against North Dakota State on Dec. 29, and another 13 rebounds against IUPUI on Jan. 24.
Hill Second In Summit League
The 6-5 freshman is currently second in The Summit League in blocks overall and in league games. Hill is averaging 2.5 blocks per game in league play. Overall, the Lawrence, Kan., native has 57 blocks this year and is just 20 blocks short of the UMKC single season record.
The current school record is held by Alysa Klein. During the 2007-08 season, Klein recorded 77 blocks in 31 games, averaging 2.5 blocks per game.
Eldridge Shows Some Muscle
Brianna Eldridge has been working real hard for the Kangaroos underneath the basket during league play, recording her fourth straight double figure game. Eldridge brought down 11 rebounds at Southern Utah on Saturday. The junior has recorded 13 rebounds, a career-high, on two occasions this year (NDSU, Dec. 29; IUPUI, Jan. 24).
`Roos Winning Battle Below
Despite its average height, other than 6-5 Ashli Hill, the UMKC women's basketball team has been fighting hard underneath the basket for the ball and it has been paying off. The Kangaroos are first in The Summit League in rebounding margin, both in the league and overall, holding a 6.3 advantage in Summit League play over opponents. The `Roos are also first in offensive rebounds.
Eldridge is first in The Summit League stats in offensive rebounds and third in rebounds per game at 7.6.
Overall this season, UMKC holds a 9-5 record when it out-rebounds its opponents.
Summit League Standings
The end of the regular season is fast approaching with only six games left on the schedule and every game counts in The Summit League. Oral Roberts is sitting atop the league standings with a perfect 13-0 record. While IPFW and Oakland share a 10-3 league record at the No. two and No. three spots. Oral Roberts, IPFW and Oakland have all secured a spot in The Summit League Championships.
North Dakota State (4th) and South Dakota State (5th) both hold a 7-6 record and three teams in the league have a 5-7 record. Southern Utah is ranked sixth, UMKC sits seventh and Western Illinois is eighth. Rounding out at the nine and ten sports are IUPUI (1-11) and Centenary (0-13).
Last Time Out: 'Roos Pull Into A Tie For 7th In Summit League With 71-68 Win Over Southern Utah
The UMKC women's basketball team picked up a hard fought 71-68 Summit League win over Southern Utah on Saturday evening at Centrum Arena. UMKC's bench was the difference in the game, as the 'Roo reserves out-scored the Thunderbird reserves 42-9.
Junior Dayon Hall-Jones led the UMKC scoring attack with 16 points off the bench, including knocking down 9-of-10 from the line, while freshman Eilise O'Connor finished with 14 points. Junior Jade Tinner and sophomore Kim Nezianya, meanwhile, were the only other 'Roos in double figures, scoring 12 points each.
Defense Big Part of Success
The UMKC defense has worked very hard the week of Jan. 17-24 and that hard work paid off as they were able to hold the past three opponents to 55 points or less. The `Roos held the Ladies to just 49 points and kept the Fighting Leathernecks to 51 points. UMKC held IUPUI to 55 total points on Monday night.
Hill Breaks UMKC Freshman Blocking Record
Hill is sitting at 47 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.
`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.
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.
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 Kangaroos are coming off of a 71-68 win at Southern Utah. The win over the Thunderbirds puts the `Roos at 10-13 overall and 5-7 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 and Cindy Stein on KCWJ 1030 AM as the Kangaroos host both Centenary and Oral Roberts. Saturday's match-up with the Ladies will also be aired on KSMO.
For live streaming and statistics for both games, go to www.UMKCKangaroos.com.
Opponent Preview
Centenary is 0-20 overall and 0-13 in The Summit League. The Ladies are currently sitting last in the league standings and are coming off of a 71-62 loss to North Dakota State. Centenary is led by Ashley Jackson with 12.5 points per game and Ne-Ne Cook is averaging 11.2 points per contest. Anne Farrell leads the Ladies with seven rebounds per game.
Oral Roberts is 17-7 overall and 13-0 in The Summit League. The Golden Eagles are No. one in the league standings and have already clinched a spot in The Summit League Championships. Oral Roberts is coming off of a 85-78 win over South Dakota State on Feb. 7.
The Golden Eagles have three players in double figures, led by Kevi Luper with 23.8 points per game. Jordan Pyle is averaging 15.6 points and Jaci Bigham is at 13.9 points per contest. Oral Roberts will play at Southern Utah on Feb. 12 prior to playing at UMKC on Monday night.
Series Record
UMKC is 11-1 all-time against Centenary, while head coach Candace Whitaker is 6-0 against the Ladies. The Kangaroos posted a 98-49 win at Centenary earlier on in the season. Peyton Adamson had a career-high 14 points, while Ashli Hill finished with 12 and Eilise O'Connor, Simone Bridges and Dayon Hall-Jones all finished with 11.
The Kangaroos are 17-28 against the Golden Eagles all-time. Earlier on in the year, UMKC suffered a 90-79 loss in Tulsa, Okla. Despite the loss, the `Roos were led by guards LeAndrea Thomas and O'Connor. Thomas led the squad with 16 points and O'Connor contributed 15 points. Thomas also recorded a career-high eight steals.
Future `Roo Hardieck Breaks Kansas Three-Point Career Record
Incoming UMKC women's basketball player Lexi Hardieck broke the Kansas record for career three-pointers on Jan. 27. The senior hit five three's to break the record of 331 set by Laurie Koehn in 2000. Hardieck is the single season record holder with 132 three's, set last season. The senior is currently at 334 career-three's and counting.
The previous record holder, Koehn, was a Kansas State standout from 2001-05. Koehn led the Wildcats from the three-point line all four years and was drafted by the Washington Mystics in 2007 as a free agent.
UMKC Statistical Leaders
Eilise O'Connor leads the squad with 9.6 points per game overall and 12.3 points in league play only this season. O'Connor has landed in double figures in 10 games this year and scored a career-high 22 points on Dec. 29 against the Bison.
Brianna Eldridge is averaging 6.6 boards per contest overall and 7.6 in league play to lead UMKC. Eldridge finished with a career-high 13 rebounds against North Dakota State on Dec. 29, and another 13 rebounds against IUPUI on Jan. 24.
Hill Second In Summit League
The 6-5 freshman is currently second in The Summit League in blocks overall and in league games. Hill is averaging 2.5 blocks per game in league play. Overall, the Lawrence, Kan., native has 57 blocks this year and is just 20 blocks short of the UMKC single season record.
The current school record is held by Alysa Klein. During the 2007-08 season, Klein recorded 77 blocks in 31 games, averaging 2.5 blocks per game.
Eldridge Shows Some Muscle
Brianna Eldridge has been working real hard for the Kangaroos underneath the basket during league play, recording her fourth straight double figure game. Eldridge brought down 11 rebounds at Southern Utah on Saturday. The junior has recorded 13 rebounds, a career-high, on two occasions this year (NDSU, Dec. 29; IUPUI, Jan. 24).
`Roos Winning Battle Below
Despite its average height, other than 6-5 Ashli Hill, the UMKC women's basketball team has been fighting hard underneath the basket for the ball and it has been paying off. The Kangaroos are first in The Summit League in rebounding margin, both in the league and overall, holding a 6.3 advantage in Summit League play over opponents. The `Roos are also first in offensive rebounds.
Eldridge is first in The Summit League stats in offensive rebounds and third in rebounds per game at 7.6.
Overall this season, UMKC holds a 9-5 record when it out-rebounds its opponents.
Summit League Standings
The end of the regular season is fast approaching with only six games left on the schedule and every game counts in The Summit League. Oral Roberts is sitting atop the league standings with a perfect 13-0 record. While IPFW and Oakland share a 10-3 league record at the No. two and No. three spots. Oral Roberts, IPFW and Oakland have all secured a spot in The Summit League Championships.
North Dakota State (4th) and South Dakota State (5th) both hold a 7-6 record and three teams in the league have a 5-7 record. Southern Utah is ranked sixth, UMKC sits seventh and Western Illinois is eighth. Rounding out at the nine and ten sports are IUPUI (1-11) and Centenary (0-13).
Last Time Out: 'Roos Pull Into A Tie For 7th In Summit League With 71-68 Win Over Southern Utah
The UMKC women's basketball team picked up a hard fought 71-68 Summit League win over Southern Utah on Saturday evening at Centrum Arena. UMKC's bench was the difference in the game, as the 'Roo reserves out-scored the Thunderbird reserves 42-9.
Junior Dayon Hall-Jones led the UMKC scoring attack with 16 points off the bench, including knocking down 9-of-10 from the line, while freshman Eilise O'Connor finished with 14 points. Junior Jade Tinner and sophomore Kim Nezianya, meanwhile, were the only other 'Roos in double figures, scoring 12 points each.
Defense Big Part of Success
The UMKC defense has worked very hard the week of Jan. 17-24 and that hard work paid off as they were able to hold the past three opponents to 55 points or less. The `Roos held the Ladies to just 49 points and kept the Fighting Leathernecks to 51 points. UMKC held IUPUI to 55 total points on Monday night.
Hill Breaks UMKC Freshman Blocking Record
Hill is sitting at 47 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.
`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.
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.
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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