UMKC Looks to Snap Skid at IUPUI Tuesday
1/2/2012 5:06:00 PM | Men's Basketball
UMKC (7-9, 1-3) at IUPUI (7-8, 1-2)
January 3, 2012 - 6:00 p.m. (Central)
The Jungle * Indianapolis, Ind.
TV: None
Radio: 1140 AM / 102.9 FM (Steven Davis)
THE GAME
The Kangaroos look to snap a four-game skid on Tuesday evening when they head to Indianapolis for a league contest with IUPUI. The Jaguars are on the other end of the spectrum, coming in on a five-game win streak, and are playing the last of a six-game home stand.
SCOUTING THE OPPOSITION
IUPUI enters the contest with a 7-8 overall record, and is 1-2 in conference play. The Jaguars started the season 2-8, but have since won five straight, all at home.
They are led by preseason conference player of the Year Alex Young, who is averaging 19.8 points and 6.6 rebounds per game. He ranks fourth in the league in scoring and eighth in rebounding. Point guard Stephen Thomas ranks second on the team with 10.9 points per outing, along with 4.4 assists per game, good for seventh in the conference.
IUPUI averages 73.8 points per game, and allows 72.7 per contest. As a team they shoot only 41.9 percent, but lead the league in free throw shooting at 77.2 percent. On they glass the Jags lead the league with 13.9 offensive boards per game.
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 49-86 overall record and has coached seven players to all-Summit League recognition.
Todd Howard is in his first season as the head coach of the Jaguars and has a 7-8 record. He spent the previous 16 seasons as an assistant/associate coach for IUPUI under Ron Hunter. He is a 1993 graduate of Louisville, where he played under Denny Crum, making three NCAA Tournament appearances.
THE SERIES
The Kangaroos and Jaguars are meeting for the 30th time, with IUPUI holding a 19-10 advantage. The Jags have won the last two meetings in the series, and 12 of the last 14. The 'Roos snapped a seven-game losing streak last season with an 85-77 double OT win in Kansas City. The Kangaroos are 5-8 in Indianapolis, but have not won there since Jan. 3, 2005 (77-61). That is a string of six straight losses on the road at IUPUI. Matt Brown has a 1-9 mark against IUPUI, while Todd Howard is 0-0 vs. UMKC as a head coach, and 19-10 vs. the 'Roos as an assistant.
A WIN WOULD MEAN...
- UMKC would have defeated IUPUI for the first time on the road since Jan. 3, 2005. - UMKC would move its record to 2-3 in league play and 8-9 overall, snapping a four-game skid. - UMKC would grab its first road win overall since December 10 at Southeast Missouri.