UMKC Kangaroos Visit Kansas Jayhawks for Midweek Showdown
Lawrence, Kansas – The UMKC Kangaroos (3-7) are set to take on the Kansas Jayhawks (8-1) in a college basketball matchup on Wednesday night at 7 p.m. EST. The game will be held at Allen Fieldhouse, where Kansas has enjoyed a strong home-court advantage this season.
Recent Performance
The Kangaroos are coming off a tough loss against the Idaho State Bengals, where they fell 67-50. In that game, Emani Bennett led UMKC with an impressive 23 points, showcasing his ability to score despite the team’s overall struggles. UMKC has now dropped five of their six road games this season, struggling to find consistency away from home.
On the other hand, Kansas has been performing exceptionally well, particularly at home, where they have an unbeaten record of 5-0 this season. The Jayhawks have also secured victories against six opponents with a winning record, demonstrating their prowess on the court.
Statistical Insights
When it comes to scoring, UMKC ranks sixth in the Summit League, averaging 31.0 points per game in the paint. Bennett plays a crucial role in this aspect, averaging 6.0 points from inside the key. However, UMKC faces a challenge when it comes to three-point shooting. They average only 2.2 made three-pointers per game, significantly lower than the Kansas average of 7.3 made three-pointers per game.
The Jayhawks also have an edge in their defensive game, allowing opponents to make 5.3 three-pointers per game. In contrast, Kansas is likely to exploit this weakness, given UMKC’s difficulties in defending beyond the arc.
Key Players to Watch
S’Mya Nichols has emerged as a standout player for Kansas, shooting 46.4% from the field and averaging 21.1 points per game. Her performance will be pivotal as the Jayhawks look to maintain their momentum against the struggling Kangaroos.
For UMKC, Alayna Contreras contributes significantly, averaging 12.1 points per game while shooting 25.0% from three-point range, with roughly 1.5 made three-pointers per game. The team will need her to bring her A-game if they hope to contend against a formidable Kansas team.
Looking Ahead
This matchup is critical for both teams. For UMKC, it represents an opportunity to turn their season around. With only one win in their past six road games, they need a strong performance against Kansas to regain confidence.
Meanwhile, Kansas aims to extend their winning streak and continue showcasing their strengths. Their ability to capitalize on UMKC’s defensive lapses from the three-point line could be a game-changing factor.
Conclusion
As the teams prepare for the contest, the anticipation builds for what promises to be an exciting game. The Kangaroos will seek to overcome their road struggles, while the Jayhawks aim to solidify their status as a leading team in the country. Fans can expect a competitive atmosphere in Lawrence as the two teams clash under the lights.
