Kansas City
2-3,0-0Summit League
University of Minnesota
6-0,0-0Big Ten
Roos Drop Tough Matchup at Minnesota
12/10/2020 9:50:00 PM | Men's Basketball
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. - Demarius Pitts posted 10 points in his first career start for the Kansas City Men's Basketball (2-3) team, but an undefeated Minnesota (6-0) team was too big on the inside, defeating the Roos 90-61.
"We didn't play well, and Minnesota had a lot to do with that," Head Coach Billy Donlon said. "We've got a quick turnaround and play an excellent Toledo team."
A 10-day break between games translated into a sluggish start for the Roos. After Josiah Allick opened up KC's scoring with a three-pointer, the Gophers went on a 13-0 run. Hidde Roessink ended the run with a free throw, and the lead lingered around 10 points for the remainder of the half.
Foul trouble got to Kansas City early in the game; Minnesota was in the one-and-one by the 13:24 mark of the first frame. This led to Donlon reaching down the bench early, which gave three freshmen, Caden Boser, Jacob Johnson and Kaimen Lennox, substantial playing time.
The Roos' offense found a flow midway through the first half, using an 8-0 run to cut the Gophers' lead to six. Brandon McKissic gave the Roos a spark, dropping 10 points in the first half, but a Marcus Carr buzzer-beating three gave Minnesota a 43-31 edge at the intermission.
Minnesota opened the second half on a 9-0 run and never looked back. The Gophers' seven-foot tall Liam Robbins gave Kansas City fits inside, finishing with a game-high 27 points.Â
Pitts and McKissic were the only Roos to reach double digit scoring, finishing with 10 apiece. Franck Kamgain finished not far behind, posting nine points on 3-of-3 three-point shooting.
The Roos travel to Toledo to play the Rockets on Saturday morning at 11 a.m. on ESPN3. Kansas City defeated the Rockets last season, 72-57 behind 18 points from McKissic.
