'Roos Continue Omaha Road Swing, Battle Mavericks Wednesday
11/12/2013 4:08:00 PM | Men's Basketball
UMKC Kangaroos (0-2) at Omaha Mavericks (1-1)
Date / Time: November 13, 2013 - 7:07 p.m. CST
Site: Omaha, Neb. / Ralston Arena (3,500)
TV: None
Talent: N/A
Radio: 102.9 FM/1140 AM
Talent: Steven Davis (p-b-p)
Webcast: Omavs.com (Pay-Per-View)
Live Stats: UMKCKangaroos.com (via UNO)
Twitter: @TheUMKCRoos #WACHoops
Series: UMKC trails 2-1
Home: 1-1
Away: 0-1
Neutral: 0-0
Last Meeting: UNO won 67-59 on 1/26/13 in KC
Richardson vs. Opponent: 0-0
THE GAME
Notables: The 'Roos continue the road swing on Wednesday night with the Mavericks of Omaha. Kansas City is looking for its first win of the season, while UNO comes in at 1-1 after giving Iowa a scare on Sunday night, and defeating Northern Illinois last week. This is also the home opener for the Mavericks. UMKC went 0-2 against UNO last season as members of the Summit League.
QUICK NOTES
- UMKC has forced 34 turnovers from opponents in its two games, an average of 17 per game.
- Kansas City began a four-game road swing on Monday at Creighton, the longest regular season road stretch for the 'Roos since playing six in a row away from home in Nov./Dec. of 2011.
- The 'Roos set a school record with 53 free throw attempts on Friday vs. Emporia State, breaking the mark of 52 from January 8, 1990 against Tennessee State.
- UMKC also tallied 14 steals against ESU, the most for a UMKC team since the season opener in 2009 against Truman State.
SCOUTING THE OPPOSITION
Omaha comes into the contest with a 1-1 record after two games on the road. The Mavs defeated Northern Illinois by two last week, and gave Iowa a scare on Sunday, eventually falling 83-75.
They are led by reigning Summit League player of the Week C.J. Carter, who is averaging 20 points and five boards a game. Justin Simmons is the top returner and averaged 16.7 points a game last season. Matt Hagerbaumer is the leading rebounder with nine per game, while newcomer Devin Patterson is putting up 10.5 points a contest.
As a team the Mavs are averaging 73 points, while giving up 74.5 per outing. They have been out-rebounded by 4.5 per game and average 14.5 turnovers a contest.
THE COACHES
Kareem Richardson is in his first season as the head coach at UMKC, posting a 0-2 record. He was named the sixth coach in the Division I era on March 19, 2013 after helping Louisville to a National Championship last season as an assistant under Hall of Fame coach Rick Pitino.
He brings 13 years of Division I coaching experience to the fold, as well as four years playing at the Division I level, graduating from Evansville in 1997.
Derrin Hansen is in his ninth season at the helm of the Mavericks, posting a 133-107 record there. He ranks second in school history in wins, and has led the Mavs from Division II success into the Division I ranks.
THE SERIES
The 'Roos are 1-2 against UNO, with the Mavericks winning the last two meetings, both last season. The 'Roos only win in the series came on 11/16/11 in non-conference play at home by a 77-74 margin.
UMKC is 0-1 on the road against UNO, dropping a 77-65 game at Ralston Arena on New Year's Eve last season.
A WIN WOULD MEAN...
- Kansas City would have snapped a two-game skid to Omaha.
- The 'Roos would have won for the first time on the road against the Mavs.
- UMKC would have the first win in the career of head coach Kareem Richardson.
UP NEXT
The 'Roos will play at UT Martin next Wednesday on the road for a 7 p.m. tipoff.
The 'Roos have never played Tennessee-Martin, it will be the first meeting.