Kansas City
6-10,2-5Summit League
North Dakota State University
10-7,8-1Summit League
Roos Fall Just Short Versus NDSU
1/29/2021 9:55:00 PM | Men's Basketball
KANSAS CITY, Mo. - In his first start in a Roos uniform, Arkel Lamar scored a game-high 19 points and pulled down seven rebounds, but North Dakota State (10-7, 8-1) outlasted the Roos (6-10, 2-5), 71-67.
"We had opportunities, but we didn't defend the way we needed to," Head Coach Billy Donlon said. "We had some turnovers that turned into layups at critical times, and you have to give them credit for making those plays."
The Roos began the game with a depleted lineup as Brandon McKissic and Josiah Allick were unavailable due to injuries sustained during the Oral Roberts series last weekend. That resulted in Kansas City's ninth unique starting lineup of the year, with Lamar starting in just his third game with the team.
Despite playing only six players in the first half, the Roos stuck right with the Bison. Kansas City forced NDSU into 10 first-half turnovers, limiting the Bison to just 18 shots. The Roos led by as many as six before NDSU closed the half on a 12-7 run and took a one-point lead into the break.
The second half continued as a back-and-forth affair as the two sides battled. The offense picked up for both teams, with Lamar leading the way for Kansas City. Caden Boser took advantage of his most playing time in Summit League play, connecting on 4-of-6 three-point shooting for 12 points in 22 minutes.
Jacob Johnson and Zion Williams added 12 each as well, a career-high for Williams. Freshman Devon House provided solid minutes off of the bench in the second half, scoring five points. Frank Kamgain facilitated the offense, dishing a career-high-tying seven assists.
"I was proud of Devon," Donlon said. "We saw his talent and potential as he continues to mature. All of our young guys had some positives to take, as well as some areas to improve."
In the end, NDSU outscored the Roos by 15 from the charity stripe and by four inside the paint. That proved just enough to eke out the win.
The Roos and Bison will play again tomorrow at 7 p.m. on the Roo Sports Network. Kansas City has picked up both of its Summit League wins on the second day of the two day series.
"This team, in every second game has played with great grit and resolve," Donlon said. "We're going to need to do that again tomorrow against one of the best teams in the league."
