The first game ever between the Missouri Tigers (2-1) and UMKC (2-1) Kangaroos may have left some wondering whether or not there should be a rematch. The two teams had trouble holding on to the ball and making shots, in a 60-42 win for the Tigers.
MU took a 24-15 lead into the locker room at half time. The Tigers out-shot the Kangaroos, hitting 26.1 percent of their shots. UMKC countered with a 17.2 percent performance from the field in the first 20 minutes. Both teams had four assists apiece at the half. MU turned the ball over 11 times and finished with 20 turnovers. UMKC had eight at the half and 14 for the game.
UMKC made their most threatening effort to come back early on in the second half when Dee Ayuba scored on a lay up and later hit a free throw, to cut the Tiger lead to 24-18. The Tigers then went on a 27-7 run to put the ‘Roos away.
Thomas Gardner led the way in scoring for the Tigers with 17 points and had a team-high 12 rebounds.
The much-touted guard combo of Tim Blackwell and Quinton Day were stifled on Tuesday. They were a combined 5-of-24 shooting. Blackwell finished with 10 points, Day had seven. UMKC’s leading scorer was Dee Ayuba, who had 11 points and 12 rebounds.