'Roos Head North for Contest at NDSU Thursday
1/11/2012 1:24:00 PM | Men's Basketball
UMKC (7-11, 1-5) at North Dakota St. (11-4, 4-2)
January 12, 2012 - 7:00 p.m. (Central)
Bison Sports Arena * Fargo, N.D.
Radio: 810 AM (Steven Davis)
THE GAME
The Kangaroos look to snap a six-game skid on Thursday against the North Dakota State Bison. NDSU comes into the contest with wins in three of its last four games, all in Summit League play. UMKC will then head to South Dakota State on Saturday for a matchup with the Jackrabbits.
SCOUTING THE OPPOSITION
North Dakota State is 11-4 overall, and 4-2 in conference play after winning three of its last four. The Bison are receiving votes in the Mid-Major top 25, and boast a perfect 6-0 record at home.
A young squad, they are led by sophomore 6-7 guard Taylor Braun, who averages 15.8 points and 6.8 rebounds per game, while dishing out 42 assists. Freshman guard Lawrence Alexander is averaging 12.6 points per contest, along with 82 assists. Also in double figures are sophomore forward Marshall Bjorklund (12.1 ppg, 6.6 rpg) and sophomore sharpshooter Mike Felt (10.7 ppg, 42 3FG).
As a team, the Bison lead the league in field goal percentage (.504) and field goal percentage defense (.399). They also defend the three better than any team, holding opponents to .302 from long range.
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 49-88 overall record and has coached seven players to all-Summit League recognition.
Saul Phillips is in his fifth season as the head coach of the Bison and has a 78-57 record there. He led NDSU to the league title and an NCAA Tournament appearance in 2009. He served as an assistant coach for three seasons before being named to his current post.
THE SERIES
The Kangaroos and Bison are meeting for the 11th time, with NDSU holding a 7-3 lead in the series. NDSU won the last meeting by an 89-88 double overtime margin in Fargo last season. UMKC won the home meeting though, 75-73.
In Fargo, UMKC is 1-4, winning only in 2010 by a 58-56 score.
Matt Brown has a 2-6 mark against NDSU, while Saul Phillips is 6-2 vs. UMKC as a head coach, and 7-3 overall at NDSU.
A WIN WOULD MEAN...
- UMKC would have snapped its first six-game losing streak since the end of last season through the start to this season of six.
- UMKC would move its record to 2-5 in league play and 8-11 overall.
- UMKC would have handed NDSU its first loss of the season at home.
UPCOMING MILESTONES
- Dustin Dibble will be playing in his 100th career college basketball game on Thursday, and needs just five more starts to crack the UMKC top 10.
- Reggie Chamberlain needs eight more threes to crack the career top 10 at UMKC at 112.
- Chamberlain also needs only 20 points to crack the top 20 in scoring at UMKC. He has 658 points now.
