'Roos Host On-Campus Game against Penguins Saturday at Noon
12/6/2013 7:05:00 PM | Men's Basketball
Date / Time: December 7, 2013 - 12:00 p.m. CST
Site: Kansas City, Mo. / Swinney Rec. Center (1,500)
TV: None
Talent: N/A
Radio: 810 AM WHB
Talent: Steven Davis (p-b-p), Aaron Swarts (analyst)
Webcast: UMKCKangaroos.com (Subscribers)
Live Stats: UMKCKangaroos.com (free)
Twitter: @TheUMKCRoos #WACHoops
Series: YSU leads 13-7
Home: 3-7
Away: 4-5
Neutral: 0-1
Last Meeting: YSU won 73-65 in Y'town, 12/22/03
Richardson vs. Opponent: 0-0
THE GAME
The 'Roos come back to KC to start a three-game home stand on Saturday in the only on-campus game of the season at Swinney Recreation Center. The first 500 UMKC fans will get free koozies upon entry to the arena. It will also be a rare noon tip-off.
QUICK NOTES
- UMKC has forced 106 turnovers from opponents this season, an average of 15.1 per game. Its average of 10.0 steals per game leads the WAC and ranks 13th in the nation.
- The UMKC non-conference schedule features 13 opponents, 10 of which currently have winning records, including three nationally ranked, and three in the Mid-Major Top 25.
- Martez Harrison scored 28 points against Milwaukee, the most for a 'Roo since Reggie Chamberlain had 30 at Oakland on 12/3/11. It was the most scored by a freshman at UMKC since all-time leading scorer Michael Watson tallied 28 on February 12, 2001.
- Kansas City is currently led in scoring by freshman Martez Harrison at 17.0 points per game. That currently ranks No. 1 in the freshman scoring average ranks at UMKC.
- Fred Chatmon was named WAC Player of the Week when he had his fifth career double-double against UT-Martin with 20 points and 12 boards. He also made 9-of-12 from the field (.750), the highest percentage in the WAC this season.
- Kansas City announced February 7, 2013 that it would be going to the WAC. This is the first season as a member of the new conference after 19 years in the Summit League.
- UMKC hired new head coach Kareem Richardson on March 19, 2013. He helped Louisville win the National Championship last season as an assistant under Rick Pitino.
- There are seven players on the roster from the Kansas City area, more than any UMKC team in the Division I era.
- This year's roster also feature nine newcomers, six of which are freshmen. There are three transfers, two of which have to sit out this season due to Division I transfer rules.
SCOUTING THE OPPOSITION
Youngstown State comes in with a 7-3 overall record and are ranked No. 21 in this week's Mid Major Poll. The Penguins posted a win on Wednesday over Robert Morris.
They are paced by senior guard Kendrick Perry, who is averaging 19.5 points, 2.9 steals and 5.0 assists per game, with only 12 turnovers. Kamren Belin is putting up 13.7 points and 4.6 rebounds per contest, while post Bobby Hain is at 10.8 points and a team hight 7.2 rebounds per game. Also in double figures is Ryan Weber, who is averaging 10.7 per contest.
As a team the Penguins average 83 points a game, while allowing 70. They make 8.5 three-pointers a game and out-rebound opponents by 4.9 per outing. They also post a 1.7 assist-to-turnover ratio.
THE COACHES
Kareem Richardson is in his first season as the head coach at UMKC, posting a 1-6 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.
Jerry Slocum is in his ninth season with Youngstown State, posting a 99-155 overall mark there. He is in his 39th season as a head coach though, amassing 680 wins and only 478 losses. He spent several years in the Division II ranks before going to YSU.
THE SERIES
Youngstown State leads the series 13-7 overall. UMKC is 3-7 at home, with the last meeting coming on 12/22/03, resulting in a 73-65 win for the Penguins in Ohio. UMKC has won the last two home meetings in the series.
The last win was a 71-59 win for the 'Roos on 12/21/02. Carlton Aaron scored 18 points and pulled down 20 rebounds in that game.
A WIN WOULD MEAN...
- Kansas City would have earned its first home win this season.
- The 'Roos would have defeated the Penguins for the first time since 12/21/02.
UP NEXT
The 'Roos will be at home for two more games, playing Indiana State at 2:00 p.m. next Saturday back at Municipal Auditorium.
Indiana State and Kansas City have never played eachother in men's basketball, it will be the first in school history.
