Roos Welcome North Dakota in Conference Home Opener

Saturday, January 4

Kansas City, Mo.

1:00 PM

Kansas City

North Dakota

Photo by: Francie Wilson

1/3/2025 3:14:00 PM | Women's Basketball

KC and UND tip off tomorrow at 1 p.m.

THE STARTERS

The Roos reached 1,000 points this season in their 76-69 win over St. Thomas. Emani Bennett and Tamia Ugass scored 26 points each and Alayna Contreras contributed 18 points. Both Em. Bennett and Contreras are averaging in the double digits earning 15.2 and 13.9 points respectively.
KC's win over St. Thomas marks the first conference opening win under Coach Dionnah Jackson-Durrett and the first victory over St. Thomas since Feb. 14, 2022. The Roos will look to extend their winning streak to three and earn the first conference home opener under Coach Jackson-Durrett.
Tamia Ugass had a career-high performance in the win over St. Thomas, matching her career-high in points with 26 and setting new highs in free throws made (12) and free throws attempted. She has led the Roos in scoring twice this year, and Kansas City holds a 1-1 record with Ugass as a leading scorer.
Since rejoining the starting lineup, Lisa Thomas has been critical playmaker. Across the past four games, Thomas is averaging six assists per game, matching her season high of seven assists against Westminster on Dec. 29.
Em. Bennett and Tamia Ugass's 52-point performance against St. Thomas marks the first time two Roos have scored 20 points in the same game since Manna Mensah and E'Lease Stafford went for 23 and 20 points against South Dakota on Feb. 25, 2023.

SCOUTING NORTH DAKOTA

The Fighting Hawks were picked to finish one spot above Kansas City in the preseason poll in 7th place. They enter the game on a two game losing skid, following a loss to Omaha,71-66 in their conference opener.
Kansas City holds a 3-0 advantage over North Dakota when playing in the Swinney Center and a 4-3 advantage overall.
Four Fighting Hawks average nine or more points per game. On offense, North Dakota is led by Kiera Pemberton (15.1), Jocelyn Schiller (10.1), Walker Demers (9.2) and Mikayla Aumer (9.1).
North Dakota has an opportunity to pick up its first true road win of the season, currently holding an 0-5 record on the road.
The Fighting Hawks return home on Thursday for their conference home opener against Oral Roberts at 7 p.m.