Kansas City
6-14,3-4Summit League
Denver
8-11,2-4Summit League
Roos Stumble in Second Half at Denver
1/21/2026 9:36:00 PM | Women's Basketball
Kelby Bannerman totaled 10 points and 10 rebounds, the second double-double of her career
DENVER, CO – Kansas City Women's Basketball hung tough with Denver for over three quarters but yielded a late Pioneer surge, leading to a 54-64 defeat in Hamilton Gymnasium on Wednesday evening. Kansas City came out of the gate strong, leading 16-6 after the first quarter. The Roos early momentum was built off stingy defense as KC forced Denver to miss their first 10 shots from the field and forced a bevy of turnovers.
Kansas City's offensive pot was stirred by Kelby Bannerman as the graduate forward was all over the floor on both ends. Bannerman went to work in the post, scoring several crucial baskets to propel the Roos lead in the first 20 minutes of play. On defense, the Hampshire, Ill. native protected the rim admirably, finishing with three blocks in just the first half alone. Bannerman had eight points and five rebounds in her first 10 minutes of action off the bench.
After carrying a one point advantage into halftime, Denver outscored the Roos by two in the third period to put the lead slightly in the Pioneers favor. Kansas City allowed a 14-4 run which broke the game open. The Roos weren't able to mount a comeback, falling short to Denver in a 10 point loss despite three scorers reaching double figures.
Emani Bennett led the Roos in scoring, pouring in 14 points and four rebounds. Bannerman finished with 10 points, 10 rebounds and four blocks, giving the Davidson transfer her first double-double of the season and second of her career. Zaire Harrell punched her double figure scoring streak up to four games, the longest of her career, scoring 10 points against Denver on 71% shooting from the field. Jamyah Winter chipped in nine points, going 50% shots on three-point land.
Kansas City shot 39.6% from the field as a unit, putting the Roos at 0-9 this season when shooting sub-40% overall. Outside of Winter, KC shot 0-5 from distance and finished the game at 27.3% from three. While the Roos forced Denver into committing 16 turnovers, KC in turn perpetrated 22 turnovers of their own doing, the most the Roos have committed in a Summit League game this season.
Kansas City's journey continues with a big game against South Dakota State at 2 p.m. CT on Saturday afternoon inside the Swinney Center.
